Catherine Brooks Wright

Catherine Brooks Wright, a resident of Viola, Tennessee, was born March 3, 1934, and stepped into heaven at Autumn Oaks Assisted Living in Manchester, TN on February 11, 2026, under the loving care of Gentiva Hospice and hand-picked caregivers Denys, Jack, Jess and Davina who were each sent by God in his perfect timing.

Catherine Lou (Cathy), the youngest of 8 children of George Albert and Dorothy Elizabeth Brooks of Tangipohoa Parish, Louisiana received her B. S. in nursing on a full scholarship from Northwestern Louisiana State College. She was OB/GYN registered nurse for Dr. Malcolm Crotzer at White Wilson Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida from 1960 until his retirement and continuing with Dr. Harris until her retirement at age 55.

Cathy married Eldridge P. Wright in 1957. They raised 4 children in Fort Walton Beach while enjoying weekly cookouts with neighbors which often included homemade ice cream. Cathy enjoyed caring for family and her plants. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton, Fairhope Ave. Baptist when they moved to Alabama to raise their grandson and for the last 20 years at First Baptist of McMinnville TN.

In addition to her parents and seven siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband 'Ridge' and son Michael D. Wright Sr. She is survived by Sharon (Thornton) Garth, Laurie (Kenny) Middlebrooks, Craig Wright and Michael D. Wright Jr. Also survived by Jonathan (Jamie) Garth, their children Peyton and Harlan, Kelly (Chris) McCall, their children Micah, Kenley and Mila, Dan Middlebrooks, his daughter Emma and special nieces Cathy Butler and Susan Simpson.

Special thanks to her domino playing friend, Najely (aka Pickles) who shared her love of KFC chicken strips.

Graveside service will be held in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday February 18, 2026, at 10:00 am. Emerald Coast Funeral Home / McLaughlin Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.