Wanda Wright

View her Video tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/171674Amory - On October 25, 2010, Wanda Hoots Wright, age 59, lost a nine-year battle with breast cancer on earth, but was victorious in beginning her life of eternity in heaven. Wanda was born in Smithville, Mississippi, as an only child to James Price and Margie Knight Hoots. Raised in this community, she completed her high school studies at Hatley High School and later attended Mississippi State University where she studied education. However, Wanda would find her occupational passion in the restaurant business where in 1974, she began a career at the Country Squire Restaurant in Sulligent, Alabama. Wanda successfully operated this business for 18 years where she made many friends and, ultimately, this is where she was introduced to her life soulmate. She soon married Benny E. Wright and later moved to Amory where she resided for the past 20 years. Wanda participated in several social and charitable clubs. She celebrated life through her many friends, travels with her husband, and time with her family. Wanda made many memories with family and friends at Smith Lake and became a birdwatching enthusiast. She learned to appreciate gifts of nature even more during the course of her life. Wanda and Benny raised five children, Penny Simmons Boyett (Patrick), Ryan Simmons (Hope), Emily Wright (Bear), Ben Wright (Leigh Ann) and Justin Wright (Claire). They had ten grandchildren Jilanna Simmons, Reagan Boyett, Rush Boyett, Reece Boyett, soon to be Riggs Boyett, Garret Parham, Tripp Horne, Emma Wright, Paxton Wright, Brody Dickerson and the late Faith Wright. Family was Wanda's ultimate joy in life. She was a charter member and acting board member of Women's First, a breast cancer ministry for women that provides free mammograms, meals, travel expenses, and support to those in need. Her disease allowed her to be an inspiration and role model for other cancer patients, especially at the cancer centers where she received care. Patients and employees always felt that she brought light and happiness into the room when she was there for care. Wanda was an active member at First Baptist Church in Amory where she especially enjoyed her Sunday school friends. She continued her ministry in everyday life, living each day as an example. It came naturally to her to love everyone and bear no enemies. She is survived by her husband, Benny, her mother, Margie Hoots, her daughter, Penny Boyett, and three sons, Ryan Simmons, Ben Wright and Justin Wright, and ten grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, James Price Hoots, her daughter, Emily Horne, and her granddaughter, Faith Wright.A Celebration of Life service for Wanda H. Wright will be held at 2 PM, Thursday in First Baptist Church with Dr. Allen Simpson officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be her family.Visitation will be from 5 – 9 PM, Wednesday at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory.At the family’s request, memorials may be given to Women’s First of Amory, c/o Brenda Boozer, P. O. Box 295, Amory, MS 38821.Memories and condolences may be shared and viewed at eepicklefuneralhome.com. Arrangements for the Wright family are in the care of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory.