Annie Ruth Wright

The beauty of life is showing up each day as God created you to be. The mastery of life is knowing that you were created in the image and likeness of your Heavenly Father. As we reflect on the life of this beautiful rose, Annie Felix Wright, we are reminded of the African proverb: "A beautiful woman is not the one whose beauty you see, but the one whose beauty you feel." Anyone who came into proximity with Annie felt the warmth of her heart and the kindness of her hands. She represented the true epitome of grace, poise, and sophistication. She was affectionately called Sister to all who knew and loved her.

This angel of love, hope, and grace was the second oldest child of Johnnie and Clara Felix of Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on April 26, 1943, at Brewster Hospital, the first Black hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Annie received her early education at New Stanton Elementary and High School in Jacksonville. She later obtained certification from the Career Training Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Florida.

Her graduation from Polk Community College meant the world to her because she graduated alongside her younger cousin, Tywanna Williams. Annie often fondly recalled how Tywanna would say during high school, "When I go to college, Sister, you will have to go with me." That encouragement sparked a journey that continued when Annie later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois. She often expressed how passionate she was about her many pursuits and accomplishments.

Ann devoted more than twenty years of service to the Polk County School Board as an Adjudicated Youth Specialist. God blessed her with the strength and patience to work effectively as a reading and math tutor in Level Six and Level Eight programs for both boys and girls. Her love for education and for young people allowed her to serve in many roles, including parent-teacher programs, teen parent initiatives, substance abuse programs, and as a member of the Quality Assurance team.

Her final and most impactful role was serving on the treatment team as a Psychologist and Mental Health Therapist. In this position, Annie believed her purpose was to help educate young people on how to modify criminal thinking patterns and aggressive behaviors, guiding them toward more positive paths in life. In 2005, the same year she retired, she was nominated for School-Related Employee of the Year for the Polk County School Board.

Shortly after retirement, Annie became a member of Coleman-Bush Booster, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the physical, cultural, and historical environment within Northwest Lakeland. In 2007, she was honored with the designation Coleman-Bush Booster of the Year.

The greatest joy of Annie's life was her sons, Granardo Larrese Felix and Marquez Deshaun Green. It was impossible to speak with her without hearing her proudly share that her oldest son was both a musician and a pastor in Fernandina Beach, Florida. She would beam with pride whenever he appeared dressed in his beautiful kente cloth clergy ensembles.

Years later came her youngest son, Marquez-the entrepreneur and the son of her later years, whom she affectionately called her "Good Measure." She often said with great pride, "I am so proud of Marquez," always reminding everyone that he was her baby boy.

Ann gave her life to Christ under the pastoral leadership of her uncle, the late Reverend James Williams, who remained her pastor for more than forty-five years. She was a faithful and dedicated member of the Modest Street Church of God in Lakeland, Florida, where she assisted her Aunt Rose with the Women of the Church of God ministry. Quiet in demeanor, Annie was always present and willing to with dignity and diligence: Youth leader, Sunday School teacher, choir (youth and adult), benevolence committee, hospitality committee and Women of the Church of God. She continued her servitude under the leadership of Rev. Silas Oliver, who later became the Pastor of the Modest Street Church of God.

Her relationship with her Aunt Rose kept her rooted and grounded in her love for God. After the passing of her mother, she affectionately referred to Aunt Rose as her earthly (spiritual) mother, cherishing that special bond.

"Sister," as she was lovingly called by many, had a deep appreciation for fashion and décor. She was always impeccably dressed, and her home beautifully reflected the elegance she carried within herself. When Annie prepared meals, everything was carefully plated with love, as though each dish were ready for a photograph. Her passion for fashion often led to her mother designing and creating stylish outfits for her when the selections at Empire or Maas Brothers in downtown Lakeland did not quite capture her eye.

Her love for family, combined with her love for people, will truly be missed. Through the years, her soft-spoken voice uplifted and comforted many. Her warm smile and bright eyes welcomed visitors and made them look forward to their next visit.

As the sun set on her earthly journey, Annie was welcomed into eternal rest by those who had gone before her. She was preceded in death by her father, Johnnie Felix Sr.; her mother, Clara C. Felix; her sister, Mattie Jackson; her brothers, Johnnie Felix Jr. and Eric Felix Sr.; her aunts Rose Williams (James), Mildred Penson (Joseph), Hortense Holder (Johnnie), and Ardie Karnes (Herbert); her uncles Willie Smith Sr., Cornelius Wynn Sr. (Rosetta), and Samuel B. Smith; her beloved sister/cousin Marian Williams; and her goddaughter Regina V. Nixon of Jacksonville, Florida. Her Former husband and lifelong friend Henry Wright.

The legacy of her love will forever be cherished by her sons, Granardo L. Felix (Mishunda) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Marquez D. Green Sr.; her daughter/cousin Chavon Peoples of Jacksonville, Florida; her granddaughters Deja Baker, Great granddaughter Triniti Strong, Zi'Yonna Felix, and Nizhoni Felix; and her grandsons Granardo Felix Jr., Justin Felix, Branden Felix, Christian Felix, Brandon McNeal of Jacksonville, Florida, and Marquez Green Jr., Marcellus Milton, and Taye Green of Lakeland, Florida.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her brother-in-law Theodore Jackson Sr.; nephews Theodore Jackson Jr. (Roxie), Terrance Jackson of Newark, New Jersey, and Eric Felix Jr. of Macon, Georgia; god-grandchildren Chavon E. Peoples and Morgan E. Peoples of Jacksonville, Florida, and Maurice Cheeks of Lakeland, Florida; goddaughters Ashaki Williams and Sharon Smith of Winter Haven, Florida; and cousins Jay Williams (Naomi) of Jacksonville, Florida, Giles Williams (Jeanette) of St. Petersburg, Florida, Warren Williams (Robbie) of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Tywanna W. Estell (Reginald) of Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Lorraine Thompson (Matthew), Grayling Holder of Jacksonville, Florida, Irene Bembry of Tampa, Florida, and Tracy Smith of Winter Haven, Florida, Vernell Smith Davis, of Pheonix Arizona and Adrain Smith, of Cleveland Ohio. Her Little cousins she affectionally called her babies, Veronique Williams, Simone Williams, Akilah Cooper, Jinelle Williams, Megan Williams, Morreo Williams, Racquel Williams, Kenneth Williams, Raja Blackmon and Ryan Burt.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters in Christ: Juanita Durham of Jacksonville, Florida; Yvonne McShay, Alberta Tabron, Catherine Wright, Dr. Antionette Wilcox, and Rev. Vernetta Silas, all of Lakeland, Florida.

Her amazing support team included caregiver Della Applewood, nail technician Carrie Reynoso, hairstylist Vivian Shaw, and housekeeper Sonya Patterson, whose care and companionship meant so much to her.

And finally, she leaves behind a loving host of family members, friends, and many others whose lives were forever touched by her presence.