Mary Nell Ferguson Wright, 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, went to be with her “Best Friend”, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 16, 2017.
Mary was born to Pete and Willie (Belk) Ferguson on July 16, 1935, in Fackler, Al. The family moved to Jasper, Tn., where Mary graduated from Marion County High School.
She married Floyd Ray Wright on May 30, 1952, living in numerous places in Tennessee as they traveled with Ray’s job with TVA, before settling in Hixson, Tenn., in 1965. Mary retired from Kroger after 25 years as a Deli Manager. Then, she cared for her husband for 17 years.
She was active in the community, serving as a union rep, recording secretary for the executive board of IBEW, and volunteered for United Way. She was a faithful member almost 50 years of the Delashmitt Road Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, VBS and Christmas play director, chaired the Benevolence Committee, and sang in the choir. Mary enjoyed gardening, vacationing, cooking, and shopping. She loved spending time enjoying her family and friends. In her younger days, she liked to water ski, camp, fish and picnic with her husband and children. She was the best Mom and a “fun” Nana that had the ability to laugh, play and love on a child’s level.
She was Mama to Dennis (Karen) Wright and Sharon (Dale) Hensley; grandmother to Jeremy (Katey) Wright, Josh (Beth) Wright, Wesley Wright, Shea Hensley (fiancé Ben Vetterick), Adam Files, Ariel (Allen) Hirzel, and Noah (Kristin) Files; great-grandmother to Jacob, Bailey, Jaden, and Trevor Wright, Jace Wright, Maeli, Kaelyn, and Larae Hirzel; and great-great-grandmother to Gracelynn Wright. She was survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years; her parents; all her brothers and sisters; granddaughter, Amanda Denise Wright; and great-granddaughter, Amber Denise Wright.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 4-7 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m.-1p.m.
The funeral will follow at the chapel at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike. Burial will be at the National Cemetery following the service.