James H. Wright Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, in the morning God called our beloved mother and grandmother Mary E. Wright aka (Mama Liz) home to God's eternal rest. Mary Elizabeth Wright was born May 8,1929, to the late Willie Willian Jones and the late Mattie Spellman Jones of Pasquotank County, NC. Unfortunately, Mary's mother passed away when she was 2 years old leaving her to be raised by her late aunt Ethel Jones-Baker of Elizabeth City, NC. She was educated in the North Carolina School System. Mary came to Virginia in her early 20's to live with her sister, the late Carrie Morris and Clarence Morris of Chesapeake where she met and married James Wright. She worked at Sunset Manor as a housekeeper until she started working at Hagwood's Cleaners as a shirt presser until she retired there and started being a caregiver for one of her friends until she passed away. Mary continued to spread God's word to anyone who would listen. The words she would say that stood out was "You better get right with God. He's coming back". On March 9, 1957, James and Mary were married and stayed married until death. James Wright was born July 17, 1930, to the late John Mills Wright and Sidney Cahoon Wright of Creswell, NC. Unfortunately, James' mother passed a year after he was born. At that time, he was bought to live with his aunt and uncle, the late Earnest and Minnie Cahoon Watson. He was educated in Norfolk County Schools; he also served in the United States Army. James went on to be a long-distance truck driver. He worked until he retired, and later started doing lawn care until no longer permitted by his health. During their marriage, they both joined New Light Baptist Church on Cedar Rd in Chesapeake, VA., James Wright became a deacon and trustee. Mary joined the Usher Board and became a deaconess until she became a part of the Missionary Society. Later on in life, Mary Wright received her license for ministry. She was also a member of the Helping Hand Prayer Band. After spending a lot of years at New Light Baptist Church, they both left and connected with St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. There, James and Mary Wright continued to serve God with their works at the church and outside of the building. By spreading God's Word through ministry, they were known as "live wires to the ministry". Mary's favorite words were "If it's God's will", "don't rush God, but trust God". Her most favorite was "if you are tired of your god, try my God". Mary Wright was a mother to many and a stranger to none. As it was written, she was "the wind bean beneath our wings". Mary and James Wright were predeceased by their siblings, two daughters, Betty Lou Smith of Chesapeake, VA. Mattie Mills Artis of Norfolk, VA, two grandsons, Tyrone C. Artis of Norfolk, VA, and Derwin (Turk) Mills of Norfolk, VA. They both leave to cherish their memories: Son: Curtis Whidbee (Mary), a special cousin Geraldine Baker of Elizabeth City, NC; granddaughters, Cynthia Mills Ellis, whom they raised, of Portsmouth, VA, Darvina Nichols of Portsmouth, VA, Ebony Morrison of Portsmouth VA, Krystal Whidbee of Chesapeake, VA and Trina Williams of Norfolk, VA; grandsons Willie Mills of Virginia Beach, VA, Anthony, and Cornelius Artis, both of Chesapeake, VA, Victor Ingram of New York, a special great-granddaughter, Tonya Mills of Portsmouth, VA, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family and friends.

James H. Wright

July 17, 1930 - October 22, 2021