Helen Marie Smith Wright, age 84, of Tuscumbia, AL passed to her heavenly home on December 28, 2023. She was born on June 25, 1939, to the late Edgar S. and Alta Mae Morris Smith in Cherokee, AL. She was a Colbert County native living most of her life in Tuscumbia. She was a 1957 honors graduate of Cherokee Vocational High School. Helen gave her life to Christ at age 13 at Mhoontown Methodist Church where she was an active member and served as church pianist until she moved to Tuscumbia in 1959. She then became an active member of Tuscumbia First Methodist Church where she was a member of the Methodist Women, the choir, a teacher for the youth, and served as secretary on the administrative board. She loved the Lord and served Him whenever she could. On August 1, 1957, she began her banking career at Tuscumbia First National Bank which later became Colonial Bank. She retired June 30, 2001, as Vice President of Customer Service after 44 years of service.
Helen was married for 41 years to the love of her life, the late Dalton Lee Wright. She is survived by her God given loving son, Chadwick Lee (Kandi) Wright, and her loving grandson, Ben Wright of New Market, AL; sisters-in-law, Bettie Sue (David) Townsley, Catherine Wright, and Carolyn Smith; nephews, Jeff (Libby) Wright, Ronald (Amanda) Lacks, Rodney Lacks, Chris (Belinda) Smith, and Chuck (Alison) Smith; niece, Darlene Villalta; great-nephews, Carson Villalta, Colby Smith, and Colton Smith; and great-nieces, Carley (Jordan) Ashe, and Carmen (Wes) Harris.
Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; sister, Barbara Sue Lacks; brother, Charles Ray Smith; infant brother, Billy Carl Smith; brothers-in-law, Marvin A. Lacks and William Alvin Wright.
Helen was a kind and loving wife, mom, grandmom, mother-in-law, and friend. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed their trips together to Panama City Beach. She will be remembered by her delicious chicken and dressing, and her Christmas decorations.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 30, at the Tuscumbia First Methodist Church from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Dr. Rudy Guess officiating. Burial will follow in Shoals Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family extends their gratitude to her medical team, caregivers, church family and pastor for their care and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Tuscumbia First Methodist Church Mission Fund at 104 E. 3rd Street, Tuscumbia AL 35674 in her memory.
Please visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com to leave tributes and condolences for the family.
