ETHEL WRIGHT

Mrs. Ethel Spann Wright, 98, was born in Clarendon County on Aug. 8, 1921. She was the beloved daughter of the late Earline Spann Rose McCoy and Israel "Eddie" Noah Spann. Mrs. Wright departed this life on June 14, 2020, at National Healthcare (NHC), Sumter, to begin her new life with the Lord.

Mrs. Wright attended public schools in Clarendon and Sumter counties. She was married to the Rev. Robert Clifton Wright for 49 beautiful years. Wearing several hats in and outside of ministry, Mrs. Wright worked tirelessly and effortlessly with her husband to develop the ministries that God placed in their charge. She served as first lady for more than 40 years and was dedicated and committed to serving God's people. She especially had a heart for the youth of the church as evidenced in her ministry at New Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. During her tenure, she founded the Sunbeam Choir, the Youth Betterment Society for teenagers and The Adult Choir. Mrs. Wright was a humble servant, a loving mother, a grandmother and prayer warrior.

She and her husband, the Rev. Wright, owned and operated Wright's Grocery Store for more than 20 years in Sumter, employing youth and giving back to the community. She was affectionally known as "Momma Wright" to many because she extended her love and helped others.

Mrs. Wright leaves to cherish fond memories of her love, guidance and caring: one devoted daughter, Peggy Wright Brailey of Sumter; one granddaughter, Ja'Shaun Blanding (Marlon) of Waxhaw, North Carolina; goddaughter, Kathye Douglas of Hampton, Virginia; two sisters, who she sincerely loved, Sadie McCray of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Corine Belser of Sumter; two brothers who she adored, Irvin Spann and Franklin Rose of Jersey City, New Jersey; one brother-in-love, Nathaniel Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland; sisters-in-love, Louise Rose of Jersey City, New Jersey, Joyce and Deloris Peggy Spann of Baltimore, Maryland; a special niece, Lucilla Commander of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a host of additional family members and friends.

Public viewing will be held today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Job's Mortuary.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at New Zion Memorial Gardens in Bishopville.

Interment will follow in New Zion AME Church.

Family will receive friends at the home, 1893 Conway Drive, Sumter, SC, 29153.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.