Melva Wright Obituary
Melva Jean Wright, 89, passed away on December 22, 2025. She was born to the late Lena Harris and Frank Gates on November 7, 1936 in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Melva was a strong woman, who loved her family fiercely. She instilled in them a deep love and respect for this world- people, plants, and animals. She taught them to always do things the right way, even when it's harder. Melva was known for her sarcasm, and quick wit. She enjoyed gardening, and teaching her children and grandchildren her way of cooking and canning. She spent lots of time sitting on her porch, and listening to Gospel music. She loved to sing, and had a song for every occasion. Melva attended First Baptist Georgetown. She was a devoted mother, wife, Mamaw, and friend. She will be missed tremendously.
In addition to her parents, Melva is preceded in death by her 8 siblings, husband, Paul "Cotton" Wright, daughter, Tonya Wright Shope, son, Alan Wright, and her adopted daughter, Carolyn Jack.
Melva is survived by her children, Debra (Danny) Cross, Mickey Wright, Sheri (Tim) Ledford, grandchildren, Nathan (Jane) Cross, Aaron (Amanda) Shope, Jake (Heather) Cross, Cassie (Todd) Cross-Johnston, Janie Wright, Justin (Sarah) Wright, Brandon Wright, Brittany (Madison) Cole, Kelli (Allen) Earhart, Jennifer Wright, and 9 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Companion Funeral Home - The Cleveland Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm prior to the service. A graveside service is to follow at Earls Cemetery.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Melva your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.
2412 Georgetown Rd NW P.O. Box 5057, Cleveland, TN 37311
People and places connected with Melva
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Melva Wright
Make a Donation
in Melva Wright's name
How to support Melva's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Melva Wright's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored