Helen Wright

Obituary for Helen Wright

In the early morning hours of December 28, 2025, Helen Wright peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home, where she was reunited with her beloved husband, William A. Wright.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl Price Thomas and her father; her son, William “Junior” Wright; her daughter, Betty Ziegler; her cherished sister-in-law, Ruby Wright Tuning; her brothers-in-law, John Henry Wright and Wilbur Wright; her son-in-law, Leroy Shelton; her sisters, Elbert (Guy Cook) Wright and Mary (Curtis) Wright; and her brothers, John Henry Thomas, William Thomas, and Lee Thomas.

Those left to cherish and honor her loving memory include her sister, Elsie Cook of Martinsville, VA; her children, Teresa (James) Wright, Margie Shelton, Eleanor (Melvin) Robertson, Gloria Wade, and Kenneth Wright, all of Rocky Mount, VA; and her son-in-law, Freddy Ziegler of Savannah, GA. She also lovingly leaves her memory to the children of her beloved nieces and nephews: Daryl (Dewone) Tuning of Upper Marlboro, MD; Cynthia (Bernard) Lawson of Akron, OH; and Daniel (Carla Leftwich) Tuning of Columbus, OH.

Helen was a loving grandmother to many, including:

    •    Twelve grandchildren

    •    Nineteen great-grandchildren

    •    Twenty-three great-great-grandchildren

She held a special place in her heart for her granddaughters and grandsons: Felicia Ziegler of Savannah, GA; Rodney Newbill Jr., Elmer Shelton, and Michael Davis of Rocky Mount, VA; and Katrice Wade of Greensboro, NC. She also shared a special bond with her great-granddaughter, Burgundii Bracey of Savannah, GA; and great-grandchildren Faith Wade and Jameer Walker of Greensboro, NC, and A’Junae Kidd of Rocky Mount, VA.

Helen was a woman of strong Christian faith and a devoted member of Franklin Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served until her health began to decline. She found joy in listening to Christian music, watching Bishop G. E. Patterson, spending time at family gatherings, and gardening. A hardworking and dedicated woman, Helen labored for many years as a sharecropper, providing for her family with strength, perseverance, and unwavering love.

Her legacy of faith, kindness, devotion, and love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Brittany Hayes of Franklin Memorial Hospital and her devoted caregivers, Teresa Wright and Margie Shelton, for their compassionate care, love, and support.