Mary Wright

1928 - 2021

Mary H. Wright
1928-2021
Mary H. Wright reached her "use by" date on May 14, 2021 and went on to her next adventure. She leaves behind her beloved children, Beatrice "Bebe" Wright Hansen and John H. Wright, Jr. She always said hers were the most wonderful children ever born. She is survived by five grandchildren whom she dearly loved: Erin Singer, Leigh Cooper, John Hunter Wright III, Elizabeth Wright, Harrison Wright, and one great grandchild Sophia Singer.
Mary was born in Houston on August 4, 1928 and resided there all her life. She was the daughter of Mary Taub Weil and L.M. Weil, granddaughter of Sam and Nannie Taub, and sister to Joanna Ross. She married the love of her life, John H. Wright in January 1958. John and Mary were divorced 28 years later, but she always said she never quit loving him. John preceded her in death.
Mary's life was full of learning opportunities, and she took advantage of them all. Her grandfather Sam showed her by example, how to live a generous life, and how to give back to the community you lived in. Mary graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 1945 at the age of sixteen, then attended University of Southern California. Later, she went to business school to learn to type and take shorthand. After college, Mary joined the Red Cross and worked as head of the Motor Service, driving patients to medical appointments.
Mary loved to travel and visited over 80 countries. She and husband John lived in London for two years, and both her children were born there. In 1990, she embarked on a round-the-world trip on the Concord. She kept a journal, and said every time she read it, she went on that trip again. Mary often said, "I have done everything I ever wanted to do, except go to Africa on a photo trip, but I'll do that next time."
Mary owned two successful businesses: Briargrove Flower Shop and the Houston Flea Market. Between 1968-1998, the flea market expanded from 3 acres to 13 acres. Mary was very community-minded and served on many boards: Mental Health Board, Main Street Theater Board, DePelchin Children Board, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Board, and the charity now called Child Builders (originally named Houston Advocates for Mentally Ill Children, which she helped found, as well as serving on the board of the New School in the Heights. At the age of 70, she began writing and publishing children's picture books, the first of which was titled Stranded: Stormy's Adventure. At the age of 85, she continued her passion for creativity, including writing a comedic play about aging and composing a light-hearted song about living in her beloved Texas.
Mary was one of those people who would tell it like it is, and you always knew where you stood with her. She was compassionate, loving, and the best friend you could ever have. Family came first, and her children were the light of her life. Having lived an interesting, adventurous life, Mary had no complaints, except having to leave her precious family, who she's looking forward to seeing again!
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 3 PM at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Dr., Houston, Texas 77057. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the children's charity of your choice.