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JOHN WRIGHT Obituary
JOHN EDWARD WRIGHT
On Friday, March 15, 2013, JOHN E. WRIGHT entered into eternal rest. He is survived by four brothers, Frederick (Edna), John, Eugene (Annette) and George (Priscilla) Wright; three sisters, Annelle Sweat, Elizabeth Gasden and Elaine Johnston (Clarence); and a host of other relatives and friends. Services will be held at Spirit of Faith Christian Center, 2261 Oxon Run Dr., Temple Hills, MD on Thursday, March 21. Visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Dr. Michael A. Freeman, Senior Pastor. Interment Charleston, SC. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Spirit of Faith Young Guns (to the church address above) and/or Big Brother's Big Sister's of America, 10210 Greenbelt Rd., Suite 900, Lanham, MD 20706, 301-794-9170. Services by FREEMAN.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WRIGHT
Dottie Williams
March 12, 2020
I cannot believe it has been 7 years since the passing of John Wright. John and I worked together at the Department of the Interior (DOI), he was such a quiet and gentle spirited man, one with little words but powerful in action when it came to his work. John is still missed today by all those that worked with him and loved him, his smile was contagious and his demeanor was loving, I will continue to cherish his memories from the time I met him at the DOI and the work we did there to form the National Association for Black Federal Emloyees (NABFE) to help combat discrimination . RIP John Wright
Joan Moody
June 14, 2019
Would someone please send me the addresses or emails of John's niece, siblings or other family members? I would like to get him on the Memory Honor Roll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund if he is not already on it. My email address is [email protected]. Here is what I said at John's memorial on behalf of the many, many people at Interior and elsewhere who miss him. Thanks, Joan Moody
John E. Wright Memorial
Spirit of Faith Christian Center
Temple Hills, Maryland
March 21, 2013
Joan Moody for Employees and Alumni of U.S. Department of the Interior
John, I wish you could be here today to see so many family and friends gathered to celebrate your memory.
Above all, John, I know you loved your family and would be so proud of how they and your church organized the memorial today--showing the right way to do things is the Wright wayconscientious, organized, and kind.
John, I know you are with us in spirit and may be surprised to see so many friends and colleaguespast and presentfrom the Department of the Interior who are here today. You shouldnt be surprised because although you retired seven years ago, you are still a legend, an institution. (Many others who could not be here today have sent their love.) The news of your passing quickly spread throughout the department and its bureaus and its vast network of alumni and friends.
The truth is, the department will never ever be the same without you.
[Would all those who knew John from the Department of the Interior please stand?]
John, you have left your mark on every one of us who knew you throughout the four decades you were at Interior. After serving in Vietnam, you started at the Department of the Interior as a GS-2 clerk/messenger. Your friends who taught you photography at that time are here. So are others who cheered you on as you went to college at night while working full-time.
You did not surprise them or us when:
-- you got a masters degree from American University,
--or when you rose up the ranks in the department achieving the rank of GS-15, the senior public affairs specialist in the Office of the Secretary, the top career communications person in the department.
--or when you served as acting Director of Communications
--or when you won the National Government Communicator of the Year award in 2000.
Your friends who worked for and with you when you reached the top are here also. There are so many people here from Interior that there is not time to name everyone.
But every one of us admires your success and how you had to achieve it the hard way.
We cheer your intelligence and wisdom and how you used them to overcome many obstacles in your career.
We are proud about how your advice was trusted by Secretaries of the Interior and communications directors from both Republican and Democratic Administrations.
Both Secretary of Interior Gale Norton and Secretary Bruce Babbitt raved about your work in a recent Greenwire article about you. In a polarized Washington, John, you knew how to bring people together the Wright way.
But your career success was not as important to you as doing good things for other people.
Your kindness is legendary. This is your greatest legacyand it lives in each of us.
It is amazing that besides doing a top-notch full-time public affairs job, you always found time to help other staff members, whether it be giving them advice about how to get along in the office, equal employment opportunity counseling, career skills improvement, golf tips, where to find a good sandwich, or how to live a good life.
Each one of us has a story to tell about how you listened and counseled us, served as the peacemaker, and stood up for what was right.
I must admit I was pretty naïve when I met you, John. At our first meeting, I expressed my gladness to meet the senior career public affairs person in the Department of the Interior. You quickly informed me with a straight face that you were not a senior citizen. Uh-oh, was I off on the wrong foot?
Your dry humor scared me at first but you didnt fool me for long, John Wright. Like everyone else at the department from clerks to cabinet members, I soon realized that your reserved nature could not hide your kindness and warmth. In fact, you were funny as often as you were serious. Very funny. (OK, you did still fool me several times by telling me after I returned from sick leave that you took everyone else in the office to lunch at the Palm or some other fancy restaurant while I was out.)
After your retirement, you remained a mentor and friend to me and others. Many of us were surprised when you went into a three-year Bible course and became a minister during your retirement. In retrospect, we should not have been surprised because it seems you had been guiding and mentoring people your whole life--in a way, being a minister.
At work you were very professionalyou did not believe in wearing your religion or politics on your sleeve. But you did say in private that being Christian was much more about doing good than about talking a good line. It is how we treat others that demonstrates our faith.
We are so happy that you found fulfillment in your retirement by extending your good ministry to Gods work at the Christian center and in counseling youth, a role you particularly enjoyed. I am sure the young adults from the Young Guns and big brothers groups here today would agree.
You taught us a lot about public affairs, John, but even more about life.
In my last conversation with you, not knowing you were sick, I described some relatively minor problem. You said, You are focusing on that too much. Whatever you focus on gets bigger.
Whatever you focus on gets biggerit sounds like a simple saying, but it has many layers when you apply it to everyday life. On a small scale, if I go on a walk and focus on my bad knee, it hurts more. If I focus on the birds singing, the knee hurts a lot less.
On a larger scale, Whatever you focus on gets bigger applies especially to people.
John, you saw the good in everyone. As a result, we have grown and become better people by knowing you.
The last time I heard from you was Tuesday, March 12. A card from you arrived exactly on my birthday. On Wednesday, you went to the hospital; on Friday, you passed away. So you must have been feeling sick but mailed that card anyway. Like so many others here, I didnt have a chance to thank you for that, to thank you for everything, or to say goodbye.
But I am not focusing on sadness and the missed opportunity, I am focusing on the importance of saying thanks. Let me share the Biblical quote in your card with your family and friends. It comes from John 1:16:
From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:16.
THANK YOU, JOHN.
To all his friends and family here today, lets not focus on the goodbyes or the words left unsaid. Instead, lets be thankful for all the ways John helped the Lord bless our lives. Lets focus on a truly good man and allow Johns light to live on in us. Lets spread it to others.
Those of us from the Department of the Interior wish to send something home to South Carolina with John. This is a lucky shamrock like the one left by each director of communications for the next incoming director, whether the person was with a Democratic or Republican Administration.
The inscription on the shamrock reads: One leaf is for hope and one is for faith and one is for love; you know, and God put another in for luck.
Please take this shamrock to South Carolina with John. John, please keep guiding your family and friends from heaven. We know youll be up there using your skills as a master communicator and minister, asking God to bless us.
Joan Moody for Employees and Alumni of U.S. Department of the Interior
###
Joan Moody
June 14, 2019
It was one of the greatest honors of my life to work with John Wright and speak at his memorial. I just now found a reminder email from Legacy in my inbox about this dear friend dated March 12 of this year, my birthday. When John died on March 15, 2013, I had just received a birthday card from him that was quite meaningful, especially since he must have been sick (unknown to me) when he sent it. What synchronicity that I just found his card last night and was thinking of quoting it at my upcoming retirement party, but I think I will do so on Facebook when I get home to reach more of his friends and admirers. The reason I had searched my work email for "John Wright" is that I just got an email from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund about the Memory Roll and was wondering if John was one of those being added.Otherwise, I would not have found this reminder from Legacy, but here I find it the day after finding John's card. I so wish John, who was my age, had lived long enough to enjoy the retirement he so richly deserved. Isabel Benemelis Jeff Hunter and I all have his photo in our offices more than six years after he died and ten years after he retired.
Dottie Williams
April 15, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with John at DOI, he was such an inspiration to others, he was a friend, colleague, confidant and much more, everyone at DOI respected and honored him. He will be missed, especially that beautiful smile.
My prayers go out to the Wright Family, that you find peace and comfort in God.
April 8, 2013
I was John's first girlfriend when he came to Washington in 1971. We shared so much together . John was shy and funny. We kept in touch for awhile but then drifted. May his family find much peace knowing that John is present with The Lord .
Sweet P
John and Sharon Jollie
March 23, 2013
John was the kindest and most genuine friend. His smile and laugh could light up the room. Golfing with John was such a treat. He will be missed.
Celia Boddington
March 22, 2013
Thank you for the great kindness you showed both Paul and myself during our work together at Interior. You had unique gifts and skills and shared them generously. We learned much from you and miss you.
Deborah Simmons
March 22, 2013
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" I know John is being supplied with Gods riches. I will never forget him. To the family my condolences. Always, Deborah
Chris Kearney
March 21, 2013
To the Wright Family,
I had the good fortune to work with John many years ago at Interior. He was one of the finest public servants I had the privilege to know. He was the consummate professional and a true gentelman. He taught me a great deal about people and life. Smart, with a sharp wit,a great laugh, and a kind heart,he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Every one who knew him is a better person as a result.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 21, 2013
Our prayers go out to the Wright family.
Peter & Joy Claud
SOFCC
Patricia Watkins
March 21, 2013
I worked with John many years at DOI. My prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time.
Sybil Hayes
March 21, 2013
To the Wright family, my prayers are with. As we celebrate his life and many accomplishments, may God continue to restore, bless and guide us. I meet John at the Department of Labor in the 70's. He help guide me through the maze of the federal system. I will miss him.
Freda Clark
March 20, 2013
Gone to soon. John was a beautiful person inside and out. I haven't spoken with him in years. John introduced me to his girlfriend Debbie and we've been girlfriends/sistas for over 30 years. We all loved John but God loves him best. Rest In Paradise.
Ted Ravenell
March 20, 2013
Our continued prayers for the family that God will be with them in their time of bereavement I
March 20, 2013
I am saddened to hear that John has passed but thankful to God that this is not the end. To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.
I worked with John at DOI and he always went above and beyond to help me whenever I asked.
God knows best!!
Cynthia McMillan Johnson
Lisa Guide
March 20, 2013
My deepest sympathies to John's family. I worked with him at DOI from 1993-2000. He was a wonderful, talented, happy, no drama, sparkling kind of person. He did his job well and he was a great joy to be with always. He will be deeply missed!
Poster from John's Department of the Interior retirement party in 2006
March 20, 2013
Francine Parks
March 20, 2013
Rest in peace dear heart. My deepest sympathy to the Wright family. God Bless.
Tammie Johnson
March 20, 2013
I met John at SOFCC. He was very kind and caring. May the love and peace of God be with you in your time of sorrow.
Kim Martiny
March 20, 2013
I worked across the hall from John at DOI and have only the fondest memories of him. I will always remember his great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
HORACE WRIGHT
March 20, 2013
UNCLE EGGIE YOU WILL BE MISS DEEPLY. I LOVE YOU UNK ALWAYS R.I.P LOVE YOU NEPFEW HORACE WRIGHT A.K.A PORK RORK.
Yolanda
March 20, 2013
I too will miss Eggie. He was my very first love. Though we did not marry ( were engaged for 2 1/2 years ) we remained good friends. I believe we will see each other again. Yes, he had a great smile. I have my memories. Sympathy to the Family.
Goni Sadora
March 20, 2013
I knew John will never forget when he came to visit us in Kauai. He was a very nice and a very humble man. We will always treasure the memories.
Aloha John from Mom/Dad Sadora of KAUAI, Hawaii.
Patricia Connally
March 19, 2013
John's wit and sarcasm had me laughing many days at Interior and then we ended up going to the same church after he retired and he kept me laughing there as well. I miss him!
HENRY Cooper
March 19, 2013
john was my supervisor and a very good friend.we worked together at the Office of Public Affairs at The Department of THE interior.
David Barna
March 19, 2013
John and I bet lunch on the Army-Navy Game every year. John, I still owe you lunch!
John and I at Secretary Kleppe's portrait unveiling.
Donny Cabrera
March 19, 2013
John was one of a kind. We shared so many memories together at the Department of the Interior. He will be missed.
Megan Durham
March 19, 2013
I worked with John for many years at the Interior Department. He was always professional and always kind; he always kept his sense of humor; he was just a thoroughly decent guy. He is gone much too soon. My deepest sympathies to his family.
March 19, 2013
John was a good friend and fun to be with. Ron and I learned to play golf with him and he surpasses us very quickly. We can't believe he's gone. Rest in peace, John
- Sue and Ron Peake (Sue P). Boca Raton, FL
Wendy Fink
March 19, 2013
I too had the honor of working with John at the Department. He was a warm and kind man that I always looked forward to seeing everyday. John is going to be GREATLY missed.
Paul Hoffman
March 19, 2013
John was always professional, but more importantly he loved what he did and it showed. He was fun, funny, witty, and caring. He was smart and knew what he was doing. He had to pull my fat out of the press fires many times and was always gracious. He will be missed by many, but he is with Jesus now and that comforts many of us.
Denise Anderson
March 19, 2013
I am saddened by the loss of a friend and coworker. John had a great smile. You will be miss. I will cherish the memories forever.
Jane Lyder
March 19, 2013
John was one of my favorite people at he Department of the Interior. His incredible sense of humor always made my days better. He had a sparkle in his eye; he was smart as a whip; he worked hard; and he was well-loved. He did so much with the gifts he was given. The world has lost a wonderful man who I know rests in peace.
Jana Prewitt
March 19, 2013
Thank God for the life of John Wright--meticulous in his work, a great friend,a natural-born leader, funny and kind and generous. He will be missed.
Hugh Vickery
March 19, 2013
John was a great colleague and friend at the Department of the Interior, much respected and beloved. We all miss him, but I am confident we will see him again in the presence of the Lord.
Monica Noe Filyaw
March 19, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with John at the Department of the Interior. He was a great man and a humble public servant and will be sorely missed. John always had a smile and the best laugh and advice!
Chicquetta Lee-Fullilove
March 19, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Phillip E. Johnson
March 19, 2013
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding be with you doing our time of lost. I am recalling all the good days we had together growing up on Murray Hill. I too, am saddened by this occurrence. Let us be helpers of one another Joy in the Lord. We were like family then. Let us continue even now. Be Blessed!
Floyd Parks
March 19, 2013
May God's path guide you and give you strength. I worked with John for a number of years at DOI, we had a fun crew that worked and shared great times over the years. My family sends sympathies
Yvonne Johnson
March 19, 2013
To the Wright family you are in my prayers
shannon sally
March 19, 2013
The famiy is in my prayers may God keep you.
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