Barbara Jean Wright

UTICA – Barbara Jean Wright, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born in Clayton, AL on April 10, 1942, Barbara was the daughter of the late Eli and Adelle (Colman) Wright. She was raised and educated in Alabama, and relocated to the Utica area in the 1980s, where she has since resided.

At one time, she was wed to Eli Peterson who has since preceded her. From that loving and devoted union came the blessing of five daughters. They lived and worked together side by side every day to ensure their family was provided for.

For many years, she worked as a daycare provider at the Neighborhood Center, from which she later retired. Her family will miss her daily calls to check on their well-being, as she was always concerned for others. As a mother, she was loving, responsible, and dedicated to her girls, believing strongly in guiding her children down the right path. She carried these values into the next generation and was a beloved grandmother to her grandchildren, who cherish memories of spending weekends with her. Barbara was selfless and self-sacrificing, and her primary role in life was nurturing the well-being of her family.

In her free time, she loved dancing and had quite a green thumb. She was the type of person who could make anything grow. She was also deeply spiritual and held a great love for God.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Rosie Walker and the late Nathaniel Walker, Jr., Alice Elrod, Doris Wiley, Irma Peterson, Barbara and Marshall Wiley, and Arlene Peterson. She cherished the memory of her son, Alvin Wright, who preceded her. She is additionally survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was additionally preceded by her siblings, Nancy Booth, Verdell Davis, Mary Grubbs, Naomi Wright, Annie Pearl Wright, Charlie Wright, Punch Wright, and Cecil Wright.

Barbara's family would like to thank the staff at the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Utica for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Barbara's Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to join in person, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88343413292.