Peggy Wright
Peggy Espy Wright, 86, of Chattanooga, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
She was born on Dec. 27, 1929, and was the adopted daughter of Lavada Newell. Peggy attended the Chattanooga Public Schools and graduated as salutatorian. She received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Chattanooga, majoring in violin and public school music. After graduating, she organized and taught string instrument classes in Dalton, Ga.
For many years she played the violin in the Chattanooga Symphony. Later Peggy returned to Chattanooga and taught third and fourth grades in the public schools of Chattanooga, at the Bright School. Later she returned to UTC and received a master's with a major in reading instruction. She took other graduate courses that would qualify her as a reading specialist. For 10 years she organized and taught the summer reading classes at the McCallie School along with teaching reading classes in the public schools. After retirement she served as adjunt professor at Chattanooga State Community College teaching developmental reading.
Peggy was active in the International Reading Association on the local, state, and national level. She served two years as the president of the TN Reading Association. As part of the TRA, she participated in international exchange. Her international activities have included serving as president of the Local Sister City Association for six years. As Tennessee coordinator for Sister Cities International, she, along with the N.C. coordinator, organized the first Southeast Regional Sister City International Conference which was held in Chattanooga.
Privately and as part of S.C. I., she had traveled to many parts of the world. She and her husband traveled to many parts of the world including Europe (England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy) the Middle East (Israel) Asia (Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong) and China. Peggy was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church, where she has served as elder and choir member. She also served on Presbytery-level committees.
Peggy is survived by her husband, John L. Wright, Jr., of Chattanooga; sons, Dr. John L. Wright III, Stephen M. Wright; granddaughters, Emily June Wright, and Weera Jane Wright.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, at New Hope Presbyterian Church. She will be interred in her family plot in Summerville, Ga. at a later date.
An online guest book is at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe.