Laurie Wright

1935 - 2023

It is time to say goodbye for now to Laurie Wright, 88, of Clovis, who passed from this life to the next on August 14, 2023.
Born in Roosevelt County, NM on the first day of spring (March 21) in 1935, parents Marshall and Georgiana Cooper gave her the name Verna Laurine. She graduated in 1952 from Portales High School, and in 1956 from ENMU with a degree in Journalism.
Laurie worked for newspapers in Dallas and Parmer County, TX before meeting Gerald E. Wright in Friona, whom she married in Portales in 1960. Their 25 year marriage was blessed with two sons & a daughter. They farmed near Grier and operated Clovis Auto Parts on Hwy 60 for most of those years. After raising children Laurie started a career as a custom quilter, operating Contempo-Quilt & Yarn on Main Street in Clovis 1985-1999, then quilting from her home workshop. She was accomplished in a variety of fiber arts, largely self-taught in knitting, crocheting, tatting, macramé, sewing and quilting. She joyfully curated an extensive private textiles collection, designing and creating gifts for friends and family.
Laurie loved word games, but was ruthless (& usually victorious) at Scrabble. No crossword puzzle was safe within her reach. She helped publish a book of her mother Georgiana's Idle Chatter newpaper columns, reprinted from the Portales News-Tribune. Laurie will be remembered for her hard work, quick wit and sense of humor, which served her well during many trying times.
Laurie was preceded in death by her husband Gerald; her parents; sister Lillian Jones & husband Arthur of Sutton, AK; brother Lewis Cooper & wife Ann of Texico, NM; grandson Dwayne Davis; many treasured cousins, in-laws and friends.
Surviving Laurie are her son Gerald "G" Wright & wife Laura, Amarillo; Ernie Wright & wife Tricia, Clovis; Marsha Wright & husband Craig Runyan, Williamsburg, NM. She was "Grammy G" to Ken Davis (Angie) of Beaufort, SC; M'Shell Casida (Terrel) of Amarillo; and eight great-grandchildren. She was Grandma to Ethan Wright and wife Katelynn of Hartley, TX; Granny to Carson Runyan and Mason Runyan of Williamsburg, NM. She is also survived by brother-in-law Donnie Wright (Cynthia) of Chism, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful to the people of Wheatfields, Genesis St. Anthony Healthcare, and Gentiva Hospice for compassionate care during her last days. Per Laurie's wishes, no funeral or graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Food Bank of Eastern NM (https://www.fbenm.org/donate) or NM Christian Children's Home (https://nmcch.org/donate/) would honor Laurie's memory.
The family plans to hold a memorial service; details to be made available on the Steed-Todd website at a later date.