Barbara Whitley Wright

1944 - 2023

DELAND - Barbara Whitley Wright, 78, passed away May 22, 2023. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at New Covenant Baptist Church, 1350 S. Blue Lake Ave. in DeLand, followed by a reception. If unable to attend in person, remote viewing of Barbara's memorial service will be available through the Lankford Funeral Home website.
Barbara was born June 29, 1944, in DeLand, the daughter of John and Britty Lee Whitley. She attended Stetson University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education, and taught in Volusia County public schools for the entirety of her career.
Barbara guided more than a thousand children over her lifetime, teaching kindergarten at George Marks Elementary for 21 of her 38 years as an educator. She was awarded Teacher of the Year 1989-90, served as grade-level chair, and mentored early career educators. Barbara taught children's Sunday school at First Baptist Church and New Covenant Baptist Church. She attended countless baseball games, piano lessons, rehearsals, performances and activities for her own kids, where she positively impacted the lives of everyone she encountered.
Barbara's gift was her belief in the dignity of young people. Children gravitated toward her and she cared for them all. Every child she taught was hers. Barbara made each person she met feel like they mattered. Year after year, former students came back to Mrs. Wright's kindergarten class to visit or maybe even stopped by her home on Halloween, so she could see their costumes and they could show her how they'd grown.
Barbara's passion was her church. Barbara attended First Baptist Church of DeLand since she was a young girl. There she met James Wright, and they were married June 7, 1969. Barbara sang in the choir for years and served as a deacon. Whenever a member of the church needed something, Barbara was there with a home-cooked meal or a smile that said everything will be alright. Barbara continued her work as a member of New Covenant Baptist Church, where she helped design their new building, creating a vibrant place of worship for generations.
Barbara's great loves were her children, Kevin, Emily, John and Katheryn. She taught them to be honest, respectful, and above all else, believe in themselves, because she always believed in them. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, James Wright; her daughters, Emily (David) Austin and Katheryn (Clinton Bryant) Wright; her son, John Wright; her grandchildren, Autumn Wright, Elam Wright, Reid Austin, Ian Austin and Wesley Bryant-Wright; and her nephew, Andy Whitley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Britty Lee and John Whitley; son Kevin Wright; brother Thurmon Whitley; and sister-in-law Wilma Whitley.
Barbara's life's work continues through the loving influence she has on those lucky enough to call her daughter, sister, wife, mom, teacher, mentor, neighbor and friend.
Memorial donations may be made to the Barbara Wright Memorial Fund through New Covenant Baptist Church at http://newcovenant-baptistchurch.org. Lankford is in charge.