Shirley Ann Wright

Shirley Ann Wright, 90, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2025, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville after a brief illness.
She was born on June 9, 1935, in Alpena, to Bobby and Sammie Beckham Jones. Shirley lived a life full of energy, creativity, and determination. A true businesswoman at heart, she owned several ventures throughout her lifetime, but her last and favorite was Wright Way Cleaning, where she proudly provided commercial cleaning services for many local businesses. Her work ethic and dedication to her customers reflected the kind of person she was-steady, caring, and always dependable. Though small in stature, Shirley had the heart and spirit of a lion. She was strong-willed, fiercely loyal, and would go to war for her children without hesitation. She faced life's challenges head-on and never backed down from anything.
Shirley had a deep love for life's simple joys. She loved gardening and tending to her flowers, planting new blooms right up until the time she became ill. A gifted seamstress, she could sew or fix anything, and her talent was well known by family and friends who often relied on her skilled hands. In her younger years, Shirley's vibrant spirit shined through her love of music-she was a singer and performer in a local band, The Domino's, bringing joy and entertainment to all who heard her. She was a woman of faith and most recently attended Higher Ground Church in Harrison with her son. Shirley's love for her family was unwavering, and her faith and strength were a guiding light to those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bobbie Jones and Sammie Crawford; her first husband, L. D. Slay; her second husband, Bill Wright; a son, Michael Robert Slay; and a brother, Bobby Joe Jones.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Marcy Slay of Harrison; two grandchildren, Michael Slay II of Harrison and Sean (Amy) Slay of Klamath Falls, Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Karter of Harrison, and Kinsley and Lillian, both of Klamath Falls; numerous cousins; a special niece, Brenda Ann Olivier of Jayess, Mississippi; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
A family-conducted memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Alpena Methodist Church with the Rev. Jacob Johnson officiating. Burial will be private in Alpena Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.