Phyllis Geraldine “Gerri” Wright died at NMMC in Pontotoc on June 2, 2024. She was born to Birdie Baldwin Boatner and Harry LeRoy Boatner on November 30, 1928, in Pontotoc, MS. She graduated at age 15 from Pontotoc High School and worked at Woolworth’s in Tupelo. She married George Mobley; they had a daughter, Laura, and a son, Roy. Mr. Mobley died in 1971. Many friends remember when she worked as a cashier at Page’s Ben Franklin in Pontotoc. She married James Wright in 1978 and worked for several years as bookkeeper at John Deere Implement Co. She loved children and wanted to teach. She took a teacher’s position at HeadStart, where she taught until she was 80 years old. She received her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from ICC while working at HeadStart. She loved to carve; she created several beautiful creches and many carved figures. She loved music and loved her church. She played piano or organ for Immanuel Baptist Church from the time she was thirteen years old until January of 2024, for a total of about 75 years, while she lived in state. Her view of life was one of joy. She chose “An Evening Hymn” by Purcell for her funeral. It ends with an extended section of Hallelujahs. She brought joy to everyone who knew her. She loved her Lord. We know she is celebrating with Him and her loved ones in Heaven.
Survivors include her two children, Laura Mobley Thompson (Christopher) and Roy Mobley; granddaughter, Suzanne Thompson Doerfer (Andre); and a great-grandson, Max Doerfer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, James Wright.
Services will be Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 3PM at Immanuel Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 2PM. Bro. Frank Wilder and Bro. Tommy Tackett will officiate. Burial will follow in Immanuel Baptist Church Cemetery. Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be T.J. Clayton, Jim Gunter, Corey Holland, William Earl Jaggers, and Jerry Garrison.
