Irma F. Wright

Irma Frances Wright of Louisville, Kentucky, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 24, and went to be with her Lord Jesus. She was born on May 22, 1936, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the only child of the late Ruth Irma (Campbell) and Arthur Francis Auger.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert (Bob) Dean Wright. Family lore recounts the meeting of Irma and Bob around Christmas 1961 in a tale that has been shared over the years. As a member of a local Methodist church, Irma went to the Air Force base chapel at Grenier Field just outside Manchester to get advice on the best way to invite airmen to her church's holiday dance. A pile of snow assisted her in meeting Bob since, after entering the chapel, she slipped and slid directly in front of his desk. Only months after that encounter, they were married and then spent several years living in numerous locations, domestic and abroad, as Bob served in the chaplaincy of the US Air Force.

Irma is survived and dearly missed by her children, Laurie (Bruce), Shawn (Gretchen), and David (Megan); her eight grandchildren, Benjamin (Bethany), Jonathan (Madison), Aaron (Alexa), Brian (Emmalee), Heather (Devan), Kevin, Nathan (Julia), and Stephen (Jacquelyn); her nine great-grandchildren, Holden, Elise, Ansley, Nora, William, Darcie, Jamie, Daphne, and Jackson; numerous nieces and nephews, and cherished family friend, Sharon Ebol. She also dearly loved her last pet, Amie.

Irma's journey on this earth was centered around her unwavering faith in Jesus, her Savior and her Lord; her family and friends; her passion for teaching; and her selfless compassion for others.

From a young age, her deep faith was always a part of her life. As a military wife, each time her husband was transferred to a new base, Irma ensured her family quickly became part of the base chapel community. Finding a church home as she continued to move to different locations was always a first step in getting settled. Most recently, Irma was a member of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. She treasured the Clifton community and being part of it. She knew that Jesus was raised from the dead. Because she trusted in Jesus to save her from her sin, she also knew that she would be raised and would live forever with him.

Family and friends were clearly priorities in how she focused her life. Regardless of whether that meant the annual family vacation at Holden Beach in North Carolina, a stop at a local ice cream or coffee shop for a treat, taking time to make a new acquaintance, watching a favorite sports team (Duke, the Patriots, and Red Sox) competing, or many other activities, Irma's attention was always directed toward the people around her. She loved conversation. It was one of her gifts. Whoever she talked to commanded her full attention and was made to feel like the most important person in the world in that moment.

Teaching was another one of Irma's gifts. After obtaining two degrees in history (from the University of New Hampshire and Brown University), she began a teaching career that spanned decades and included multiple grade levels and varying subjects. Many of her former students kept in touch over the years and always thanked her for the dedication she showed and for the life lessons that she taught. After "retirement," Irma worked as the lower school librarian at Trinity School in Durham, North Carolina. There, she continued to share her passion for books with students, fellow educators, and parents. Soon after she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, she began volunteering at the Southeast Christian Church library. Each week, Irma shared a story or two with children and their families.

Selfless compassion for others was yet another one of her gifts. Irma loved giving and was truly generous. While not wealthy in terms of money, she would share whatever she had the moment she sensed a need.

A memorial service celebrating Irma's life took place on Saturday, December 20, at Hurstbourne Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The video recording of the service can be seen using this link -https://vimeo.com/1148740453/5de3dd33fd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Clifton Baptist Church Building Renovation Project (https://cliftonbaptist.org/give, select "Building Beyond 125" as the fund).

At a time to be determined, a committal service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery where Irma's ashes will be interred with Bob's.