Mary Elizabeth Hughes Wright Strong

Mary Elizabeth Hughes Wright Strong, of Roanoke, Va., was born on July 9, 1926 ,and died suddenly while snow-birding in Leesburg, Fla., on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Mary Beth was a woman who lived a full and adventurous life. She loved life and she loved people.
Although many paths pulled her to make the most of the situation, she always had the fortitude to greet each day with a cheerfulness that gave the passing friend, neighbor or loved one the feeling that she was ready for their problems. As only a mom can, her love was always there, no matter what we may have done at the moment. Her life started in SE Roanoke City born to Emmett Edmund Hughes and Maude Williar Hughes. She shared her childhood with her older brother, Ted, who watched over her like a great older brother, a bond that grew much stronger while he served during World War II.
During that war era and while she was a hall monitor at Jefferson High School, she "detained" her future husband Frank Wright who was home on leave from the Navy. After the war they married and started their life in Richmond. Eventually the city girl moved to a "farm" with three children in tow. She spoke of those adventures often over the years. Her love for his family kept her laughing for many years.
Life changed again and they returned to Roanoke. She was always a game lover whether it be Scrabble, Mexican train or cards (she was known for her Liverpool strategy). She looked for new challenges each day, but never got to drive that 18-wheeler. Singing was relegated to "Happy Birthday," but she loved to dance whether it was at the Big House in SE, square dancing or at home with any music playing. She let her children be themselves, supported them the best that she could, and allowed them to discover their talents. Her talent came later in life through oil painting.
She went to work at General Electric and there found and married Lloyd "Sye" Strong. They had a wonderful adventure together sharing his New York family, Shrine friends and each other for the years granted by God. She loved her outdoor gardens and lake living in her later years. In her quiet but determined resolve she maintained her sanity with devotion to the Penhook United Methodist Church. Many wonderful moments were shared through their congregation.
An old neighborhood boyfriend from SE appeared in her life at that time Walter "Smiley" Burnette. Their friendship allowed opportunities to connect back with their roots. They worked together to form the SE Group a monthly luncheon for the old neighborhood "kids" and extended families. They strolled through life looking over their shoulders to their youth. In the last few years Mary adapted to a home in Roanoke County, where she found her love of God in Windsor Hills United Methodist Church. She was a member in the Christian Woman's Group and maintained her love for life in all that she did. Her doting companion of one year found again from her Jackson Junior High School years Cecil Kincer shared only moments too short in his Florida home.
Always a beautiful woman Mom prided herself in her dress and believed that to present yourself as happy on the outside would help make you feel better on the inside.

"Mom We will miss your laughing voice, your perky phone calls, your listening ear and hugs. We always knew you were our protector and our greatest champion and our cheerleader. You demonstrated the true nature of Christ and share his love with everyone who met you. We thank you for sharing your life and faith. The world is a better place for you having passed through it."
She is survived by three children, Dane Wright (Jill Bartmess), Frank Wright Jr. (Kathie Hudson), and Jule Atkinson (Jim); grandchildren, Danny Wright (Amy), Tracy Jeffery (Marcus), and Jaclyn Atkinson ; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Riley Wright and Logan Jeffery; sister-in-law, Effie Hughes; and special niece, Cheri Hughes.
She will be meeting her beloved dad, mom, brother and loved ones at the right side of the gates of Heaven. We know you are dancing today in the arms of Christ. We know you will be waiting and watching for us. We know you will be ringing a bell and calling us home.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009, with a "Celebration of Life" reception to follow at Windsor Hills United Methodist Church, 3591 Windsor Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contribution be sent to Windsor Hills United Methodist Church-Appalachian Service Project, a mission of home repair ministry for the poor of Appalachia.