Gladys Wright

Gladys Johnson Wright was born on October 21, 1938, in Florence, SC to Peter Kirby and Maggie Thompson Johnson. She departed this life on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Gladys was joined in Holy Matrimony to Wilbur “Pete” Wright on May 27, 1955, for 68 years: to this union, their son, Sean Wright Sr., was born. 

 Gladys was a native of Florence, South Carolina and a dear Wilsonian. Before moving to Waterbury, Connecticut, she spent many years traveling in the United States and abroad with her husband and son.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur “Pete” Wright, parents, Peter Kirby and Maggie Johnson, brothers, Lester, Arthur and Willie Johnson, and sister Ruth Hicks.

Gladys was a pioneer parent educator with more than 40 years of diversified experience. As a parent volunteer, she was appointed by the Waterbury Board of Education to the newly organized Title I Parent Advisory Council. In 1971, Gladys was hired by the Waterbury Board of Education as the Assistant Parent Coordinator for the Follow Through Program, where she provided leadership and training to the Title Parent Advisory Council public and nonpublic schools projects, which included a cadre of parent leaders. Gladys, along with the Title I District Parent (DPAC), successfully coordinated the city-wide Title I Parent Conference by luring the former U.S. Secretary of Education, Lauro F. Cavazos to be the Keynote Speaker in 1990.

While serving on the State Education Committee, she participated at the NAACP 50th Biennial Daisy Bates Education Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2004, Gladys served as the interim education chair for NAACP at the Connecticut State Conference for the 50th anniversary year of Brown vs. Board of Education in Topeka Kansas. In keeping with the goals of the committee (on education), the focus at the NAACP conference was “PROUD PARTNERS Working Together So NO CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND.” 

Gladys was a life member of the National Coalition of ESEA Title I Parents where she served on the Board of Directors. Gladys had a variety of feature stories in various publications, including the Waterbury Inquirer. First Lady Hilary R. Clinton honored Gladys during the National Parents Day Celebration event in Washington, DC. Gladys was amongst the honorees to visit the White House, which was hosted by the former “First Lady,” in July 1996. In recognition of Gladys’ accomplishments, a press release was given, where she received notoriety as a native of Florence, South Carolina. Gladys received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honor of her many years of outstanding service and devotion to the Title I program. John Larson, Member of the United States. Congress stated, “Gladys’ commitment and tireless work with parents and educators has improved the lives of thousands in the United States.”

Gladys loved her family and friends, and leaves to cherish her memories, her one devoted and caring son, Sean Wright, Sr. of Waterbury, CT, 2 grandsons, Sean Wright Jr., and Quintin (Talashia) Wright, Waterbury, CT, a great granddaughter, Jasmine Renee Wright, Waterbury, CT, daughter-in law, Angie Johnson, Atlanta, GA, sister, Beverly Johnson Douglas, Florence, SC, sister-in law, Dora Wright Lyde, Durham, NC, a devoted nephew, Gordon McCrae, Brooklyn, NY along with a host of devoted and special nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, sisters and friends.

As we mourn the loss of Gladys Johnson Wright, let us also celebrate the life she lived—a life of faith, compassion, and service. Her memory will forever remain etched in our hearts, and her impact will continue to inspire us all. May she rest in eternal peace.