Wanda M. Wright Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Wanda Meschele Etheridge Wright, lovingly known as “Meschele”, was born on April 23, 1961, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Wassee and the late Mable Virginia Porter Etheridge. After the birth of her first child Dymyus LeQuai Etheridge, Meschele graduated from Manor High School in 1979 in Portsmouth Virginia. Following High School, she attended Tidewater Community College, earning an Associate's Degree in Social Work and Human Services in 1982. She later went on to further her education at Old Dominion University (ODU). It was at ODU that Meschele received beauty queen status by earning the title of Miss Congeniality and winning 1st runner up in the Miss ODU Pageant in 1983. On June 21, 1986, Meschele wed Thomas Wright and began their journey as husband and wife. In 1985 after ODU, Meschele enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) where she served our country for 4 years. In 1989, after the birth of her daughter Tiffany Lynette Wright, Meschele returned to Hampton Roads to start her professional civilian career as a Social Worker for Hillhaven Nursing Home in Norfolk Virginia. After serving as Social Worker with Hillhaven, Meschele advanced in her career, transitioning to a new management level position as Lead Social worker for Manning Convalescent Home in Portsmouth Virginia. She later received a promotion, to a new position, as Director of Social Work at Autumn Care Nursing Facility where she worked for the next 11 years until she retired. In later years, Meschele enjoyed retirement and was very active in her church work at Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth Virginia. At Grove, Meschele served in the Missionary Ministry as a Senior Missionary and on the Banquet Committee. She used her gift of Service to help with funeral arrangements for members and to help feed the less fortunate. Meschele’s favorite pastimes included rooting for her favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, eating crabs (her absolute favorite food!), bird watching, loving on her dog Kash, spending time with her family & friends, traveling and cruising the world. She had the prettiest smile, was so easy to talk to and could light up the room with laughter. She also really loved to dance! We all loved to see her hand dancing with her favorite partner Thomas at the family BBQs, parties, and other events. She made such a huge impact professionally and personally in so many lives and will truly be missed by all. In addition to her mother Mable Virginia Porter Etheridge, Meschele joins in glory her dearest nephew Christian Lamar Alexander Gray. Meschele leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 36 years Thomas Wright, her father Wassee Etheridge, Children: Dymyus and Empress Etheridge, Tiffany Wright, and honorary daughter Jacquita Miffleton, Grand Child: Bianca Etheridge, Siblings: Gennett and Christopher Gray, Robin Etheridge, Wesley and Verna Etheridge, Wayne Etheridge, special cousin Vincent Adams who assisted with care for Meschele during her final months, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other beloved family and friends!

Wanda M. Wright

April 23, 1961 - June 21, 2022