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Debra Wright Obituary
WRIGHT
2/21/53 - 10/17/20
LAKELAND - Debra Smith Wright, a beloved educator and mother, whose legacy is the countless minds she opened and hearts she touched, transitioned on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. She was 67.
Born in 1953 to Eddie Lowe Smith and Essie Mae Jackson, Debra graduated from Lakeland High School in 1970 and Florida Memorial College in 1973. She went on to earn her master's and Specialist in Education Leadership from Rollins College in 1984.
Debra began her long and influential career in education as an elementary music teacher. She went on to serve as a principal, and in 2007, she retired as an education consultant. Even after her retirement, her dedication to the field endured, and she served as a Polk County School Board member.
Debra married Clint Wright in 1974. He preceded her on April 20, 2007. Debra has a host of relatives including her daughters Debra Wright Hudson (Marrio DeVaughn Hudson) and Ashlee Maree Wright, grand-daughter Victoria Maree Haggins, sisters Velma Colvin (deceased) Edna Lawrence and Diane Robinson.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 p.m. -6 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Bartow. The graveside memorial will take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Oak Hill Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Clint Wright Foundation, which will provide scholarships to students enrolled at Florida Memorial University. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1486, Eagle Lake, Florida 33839.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Debra Wright
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Carol Durr
October 25, 2020
RIP Debra, Sincere Condolences to her family, Debra was a devoted Educator her Legacy touched many hearts & Minds, Debra was a Beautiful Inspiring Person,she was loved by all & will be missed by so many,may God Embrace her Daughters & other family with peace Strength Comfort.
Ervinell Brinson
October 24, 2020
May God continue to watch over the Wright family. With deepest sympathy
Kylia(LaShondia) Carswell
October 22, 2020
Mrs. Wright touched the hearts and minds of so many and her legacy will continue to thrive through her daughters and granddaughter. Thank you for your service, may you forever rest peacefully.❤
Terressa Brown
October 22, 2020
I am so sad to hear about the death of Debra. I was her next door neighbor and even though I was older than she, we were like sisters. I would like to extend my love to her daughters. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around all the family and give you comfort. Girls you may remember that you came to my house in Nashville when one of you were thinking about attending Fisk University. My name is Terressa Brown. Your mother called me Terry. I would love to hear from you. My phone number is 615-876-1461. Be blessed!
Cynthia Terrell
October 22, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ericka Caldwell-Clinch
October 22, 2020
May God continue to bless and keep the family during this challenging time.
Ericka Caldwell-Clinch & Family
Ericka Caldwell-Clinch
October 22, 2020
May God continue to bless and keep the family during this challenging time.
Ericka Caldwell-Clinch & Family
Willie Dickie Gibson and Mary Gibson
October 21, 2020
Debra was a friendly person who cared about her family and students.
Rhonda B Murray
October 21, 2020
TO: Toy,Ashlee,Victoria and family
Debra-My Boss, my mentor, my prayer warrior but most of all my FRIEND.Oh the memories we shared about school and life in general. She encouraged so many to be and do better. Be encouraged .Continue the legacy that your Mom and Dad started. She was a true soldier for the Lord. I will miss her.
Rest in Peace my friend. Rest in Peace.
Sheila C Phelps
October 21, 2020
Debra was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed working with her while she was a School Board Member. She always wanted to do what was best for the students of Polk County.
Terry Rambert Strong
October 21, 2020
Toy & Ashlee, my prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Both your parents left legacies that each of you will have the opportunity to pay forward. May the Lord give you Peace!
Love you, Terry R. Strong
Lillie Young
October 21, 2020
Debra you will be missed. I will always remember the times we walked to school together when we were in elementary school. Those were good times. I was either at your house or you at mine. Your mom always looked out for both of us. I know you are now at peace and with Clint. Rest in peace my friend and classmate.
carlton O phelps
October 21, 2020
Debra's family, Polk County and Florida have lost a wonderful woman. She was always ready with a smile and making you feel as if there is no one else in a room.
Sister I am sorry for your loss and have lost your phone number.
You will be missed Denra.
Mischa and Kemberly Harrington
October 21, 2020
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to this family and friends. A beautiful soul is resting in Jesus care.
Erikka Edwards
October 21, 2020
Thank you, Mrs. Wright for teaching us the value of education and what it means to be an inspirational educator. You and Dr. Clint Wright embedded the seeds of being an outstanding educator, committed to the advancement of all students and the community.
I am a product of your leadership and guidance. Your words of encouragement and your approval was what I needed to continue in the field of education.
The Wright’s legacy of excellence continues with me and countless others.
A Lady. A Legend.
Well done, Mrs. Wright! Well Done!
Trina
October 21, 2020
Praying for y'all Toy, Ashley and Suga. Trust in the
Lord, He will direct your path. Love y'all.
Annissa Brockington
October 21, 2020
I will forever be grateful for our friendship, her guidance, her love.
Debra Wright Hudson
October 20, 2020
Neva Spivey Cantwell
October 20, 2020
You will be missed! You had a kind heart always kind words. We will meet again. Neva Spivey Cantwell
Charles and Tamara Phillips
October 20, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emily Mistretta
October 20, 2020
I have many fond memories of Debra and her family. Saying prayers of comfort and peace for Toya and Ashlee.
Bette Orwig
October 20, 2020
I knew Debra through her husband Clint who had been my student the first year I taught school. Debra was a bright light in education. She was exceptional in her job on the school board. Debra never wanted to keep doing business the "old way" just because it had always been done that way. Debra and Clint's legacy will be their positive influence on and their inspiration to others.
Georgann Carlton
October 20, 2020
Dear Debra, Ashley and Victoria, your Mom/Grandmother was one of the most wonderful humans I’ve ever known. How blessed I was to know her. She often visited me at the Museum to talk of her new ideas and catch up on your lives and my family. And we would pray for all concerned. She was brilliant and beautiful and generous. I am heartbroken for our loss. I often told her she was earning jewels for her crown. May the Good Lord shower her with many jewels. May she rest in the peace she richly deserves.
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