Julia Wright, age 78, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. She was born September 5, 1945, in Greenwood, the daughter of Charles Grantham Myrick and Dorothy Geraldine Armstrong Myrick. Julia was raised in Greenville and Moorehead by her grandmother, Ethel Stephenson Armstrong, with whom she lived until her marriage. She was a graduate of Greenville High School and at the age of 17 became the secretary for the Greenville Air Force Base Material Commander. On June 12, 1966 Julia married Sammy Wiley Wright and they enjoyed 36 years of marriage until his passing on March 25, 2003. On July 24, 1970, Julia realized her greatest joy of becoming a mother to her first born, Lori Ann Wright, but sadly, Lori passed away four months later. Sam and Julia would find comfort in welcoming three more children. Due to Sam’s position with Ford Motor Credit, Julia and Sam moved to Tupelo in 1988. A woman of deep abiding faith, she was an active and dedicated member of Belden Baptist Church where she served in many areas including the Personnel and Counting Committees. In 1995 Julia became the Director of Customer Service for the Mall at Barnes Crossing where she served 16 years until her retirement. She was truly a “people person” and greatly enjoyed serving her teammates and mall customers with kindness and patience.
Julia leaves behind her daughter, Holly Wright Donald (Patrick) of Starkville; two sons, Sammy Wiley Wright Jr. (Emily) of Knoxville, Tennessee and Jonathan Myrick Wright (Leah) of Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren, Taylor Boyd Estes, Madeline Grace Boyd Stanford (Kyle), Ella Reynolds Wright, Grantham Wiley Wright, and Walker Phillips Wright; great-grandchildren, Emma Kinleigh Estes, Elaine Naomi Estes, Marley Jane Estes, and Sawyer Wren Stanford; sister, Dr. Carol Myrick Brewer (Arnie); brother, Charles Martin Myrick (Maria); nephew Daniel and Robert Myrick; niece, Jenny Myrick; and a host of beloved friends and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her daughter, Lori Ann Wright; her mother, Dorothy; step-father, Bruce Raymond Sims; her grandmother, Ethel Stephenson Armstrong; her father and step-mother, Charles Grantham Myrick Sr. and Mildred S. Myrick; maternal grandfather, Horton C. Armstrong Sr.; and aunts, Edna Hall and Thelma Thrasher Myrick Murphy.
Visitation will be 12 until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Pegues, Tupelo. Services honoring Julia’s memory will follow at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Dr. Don Bagget officiating. Graveside services will be 12 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Greenville.
Pallbearers will be Mark Jarrett, Sean Milner, Tom Tindall, John Weddle, Teddy Golding, DeWayne Phillips, Terry Wood, and Steve Nanney. Honorary pallbearers will be Clark Rowan and Neal Daniels.
Memorials may be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803
