Helen Marie Wright

Helen Marie Wright passed away May 15, 2020, at the age of 90 from complications of kidney failure. She was in Kennestone Hospital located in Marietta, GA. She was a resident of Cleveland, TN for 58 years. The last two years of her life she lived at Waterford Assistant Living in Holly Springs, GA near her son and daughter in-law. 

She was born in DeKalb County in Collinsville, AL to the late Joe and Eula Payton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Wright; one son, Larry S. Wright Sr.; a granddaughter, Angela Marie Wright Chastain; grandson, Bradley Zanoska; one great grandson, Winston Carr; two brothers, Roy and Elmer Payton; and four sisters, Velma Boyd, Vora Martin, Bessie Gibson, and Bertha Bailey.

Survivors include one son, Fred N. Wright and his wife, Fran; grandchildren, Larry S. Wright Jr., Kelly Jean Wright Kraft, Pamela J. Wright Pike, Jennifer Wright Carr, Michele Nichols and Michael Grabruck; fourteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. In addition, there are several greatly loved nephews, nieces, and friends.

Helen grew up in the depression and lived on a farm, picked cotton, wore hand me downs, had corn dolls and rode to church on a horse driven wagon. She lost her mother at age 16. She was a big fan of FDR and worked hard for her family. Helen taught us to have love, respect, compassion, and empathy for others.  She touched so many lives and we were all the better for it. Her kindness and smile were always present and unforgettable. She was a great Mother, teacher and friend to her sons and a tremendous grandmother to all her grandchildren.  Helen was a second mother and a sincere friend to others and you were always welcome in her home. As a grandmother and a friend to young people she took time to be their friend, plan special trips, gifts, food, or just giggle with them.  She was a generous lady with her time. Helen was a wonderful and patient listener and seldom met a stranger nor complained about anything or anyone. Helen had a great since of humor (a Payton family tradition), was a wonderful cook, adored quilts, and loved music. Many memories of her are in the kitchen. Helen loved her sweets, good food, but could seldom turn down a good hamburger. She was particularly fond of all gospel music, Elvis Presley, and Ronnie McDowell. The laughter when she was with her brothers and sisters can still be heard today. She always told us she loved us when saying bye. The beautiful and caring Helen will never leave our hearts!

She was a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church in Cleveland and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021 in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Junior Burger officiating.  Her family will receive friends following the service.  

Her family requests that memorials be made to Helen's favorite charity, Wounded Warriors Project.  Please visit their website at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.    

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Wright family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.