Janice Wright

1939 - 2021

Janice Wright

On Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister, Janice Mae Atkinson Wright got her wings. Janice was born May 22, 1939 to the late Jimmie and Thelma Atkinson in Bladen County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Wilhelmena Andrews and Jessica Farrell, one brother, Jimmie Atkinson, Jr, and a beloved son, Roosevelt "Ro Ro" Wright, Jr.

Janice graduated from Fayetteville Teachers College with a Bachelors degree in Education, married her sweetheart "Vell"; and settled in Roseboro in 1959 beginning her teaching career in Sampson County. She later received a Masters degree from the same institution currently known as Fayetteville State University.

Janice was a middle school teacher who taught for 32 years in Sampson County Schools, most of those years at Roseboro Salemburg Middle School. She loved working with the youth, singing, and playing and teaching the piano. She was hired as the musician at First Baptist Church Roseboro in 1969 and faithfully served as long as she was able. She was a Mother in the Church and loved First Baptist. She enjoyed sewing Sunday outfits for her daughters and outfits for performances at school. She was a true giver and lover of people. She has been a mother to so many in the community. She was the first female driver's education teacher in Sampson County Schools. She was published in the Arithmetic Teacher magazine in 1985.

Janice was a charter member of Clinton Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a member of Bright Star Chapter #232 of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a long time member of the Democratic Women's Association and volunteered at the polls. She contributed and supported numerous other programs as well giving of her time, resources, and heart.

Janice leaves to treasure her love and memories her husband Roosevelt "Vell"; two daughters, Anitra Williams (David) of Durham, NC and Regina Williams of Columbia, SC; one sister, Inez Thomas of Bronx, N.Y.; one grandson, Corey West of Roseboro, NC; two granddaughters, Kristle Williams (Monarch) of Greensboro, NC and Ashley Williams of High Point, NC; four great-grandchildren, Kaleah, Bryson, Addison and Jackson; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A public walkthrough will be Sunday, Aug. 29, at Lakewood High School, Salemburg, NC from 12 to 2 p.m.

Interment will follow at the New Hope Church Cemetery, Clarkton, NC

Masks are required to attend.

Butler & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Roseboro, NC