Mary Frances Wright

Mary Frances Wright peacefully entered her eternal home with the Lord on November 20, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, Virginia. She was born on August 1, 1945, in Bedford, Virginia, to the late Harry Mack and Gertrude G. Wright.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her former husband, David Hayden; two sons, Joel D. Wright and Brenton J. Hayden; and a dear friend, Clayton Tweedy.

Mary was educated in Bedford and attended Susie G. Gibson High School. Over the years, her career led her to many places of service, including the Peaks of Otter, the former Rubatex Corporation, former Elks Home, Carriage Hill, and Hampton Inn. Through these roles, she formed lasting friendships and cherished colleagues.

Beyond her work, Mary found joy in many hobbies. She loved shopping, visiting flea markets, drag racing, trips to the beach, crossword puzzles, and spending time on her tablet playing games and watching favorite shows such as cooking programs, Gunsmoke, In the Heat of the Night, and cheering for the San Diego Chargers.

Family was the heart of Mary's life. Her grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and she delighted in sharing meals with loved ones - especially a fresh tossed salad or her sister Joyce's potato soup. When she ate, everything was always better with a sprinkle of sugar added to it. She lived by two simple but meaningful phrases: "Standing Still" and "No Excuses," words that reflected her strength and spirit.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will be treasured by her family for generations. Those who will forever cherish her memory include her daughters, Setonia Johnson-Bey (Bryan) and Maria D. Hayden; grandchildren she lovingly raised as her own, Qwaliek and Ataijah Hayden, Emmanuel Brown, and Tyziah Walker; and her other grandchildren: Ryan Gates (Tsheena), Jasmine and Donnavon Wright, Porscha and Mercedes Jones, Kadeshia Hurt, Rodney and D'Angelo Anthony, Brentony and Alexus Hayden, along with a host of great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her devoted sisters, Gaynell Nellum, Roberta Holland-Diuguid, Shirley Forrest, Joyce (Michael) Johnson, Rhonda (Eugene) Bonds, and Tabitha Wright; her brothers, Harry and Michael Wright (Linda); and many special friends, including Lolita Ross, who she looked to as her bonus daughter, Doris Wilson, Nancy Lipscomb, Marionette Murphy, Brenda Hayden, Jackie Bonds, and Ahmad Mubdi. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also remain to honor her memory.

Mary's life was a testament to resilience, love, and her faith in God. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.