Jane Garland Wright, 87, left this life and gained her citizenship in Heaven on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Johnson City Medical Center after a very brief illness.
Jane was born on August 16, 1933, and spent her entire life in the Conklin Community. She began school at the age of four at Conklin School, graduated from Washington College Academy at the age of sixteen and from the University of Tennessee at the age of twenty. During her working career she was employed briefly in Kingsport at Tri-City Linen and Uniform, the family business. In 1960 she began her sixty-year career in education. She taught math and science at Lamar High School, then became principal for eighteen years in her home community at West View Elementary, and then eighteen years at Gray Elementary where she loved this community as her own. The last seventeen years have been spent at the Asbury Optional High School remaining there until just three weeks ago. She loved her work and was an inspiration. She loved education, knowledge, working with children, and was proud to be an educator. The difference she made in the lives of so many children over her career will be felt for years. She also loved her home church, Mt. Wesley United Methodist. She was saved at the age of twelve at that church and continued to serve there for the rest of her life, teaching adult Sunday School, assistant piano player, choir member, directing Bible schools and serving as a Trustee of the church. There will be a void. She loved each member of her family immensely, her community, college sports, Major League Baseball, traveling, her flowers, and social gatherings. She loved people. She will be missed!
Jane was preceded in death by her husband, S.V. Wright, Jr., and her mother and father, Cal & Dorothy Garland.
Survivors include son Greg Wright (Nancy), daughters Bebe Street (Marty) and Martha Burleson (Mike); sisters, Ann Banks (Don) and Carolyn McCracken (Larry); grandchildren Ben Wright (Ashley), Garrett Wright (Sydney), Sam Wright, Alex Street (Jill), Roxie Street, Brandon Burleson (Crystal), and Jennifer Burleson; great-grandchildren include Hallie Jane Wright, River Street, Makenzie, Madison, Megan, Catelyn & Michael Burleson; several nieces, nephews, cousins; special friends, GNO’s of Gray, Rebecca Dykes, members of her Sunday School Class, Rose Ellen Thomas and Shane Grubbs.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and CDC guide lines there will not be a formal visitation, but friends and family may come by Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home from 9:00-4:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2021 to pay their respects and sign the register.
Graveside services will be conducted 1:00 PM, Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at New Salem Cemetery. As a result of holding a special place in her heart, her friend, Rev. Jeremy Dykes will be officiating her services.
Pallbearers will be Ben Wright, Garrett Wright, Sam Wright, Alex Street, Steve Wright, Tim Wright, Perry Phillips and Sam Messimer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church P.O. Box 268 Telford, TN 37690 or New Salem Cemetery 421 Lester Snapp Rd. Limestone, TN 37681.
My deepest condolences to all the family. I was blessed to begin my teaching career at Gray Elementary with Jane Wright as my first principal. She was caring and supportive and always put others before herself. She was a positive force on the lives of children and leaves an unparalleled legacy in our community.
02/22/2021
Dustin Campbell
Mrs. Wright was my principal from Kindergarten until the 8th grade at Gray Elementary School. She knew everyone by name and their families. I still remember the announcements in the morning and afternoon. We had moment of silence everyday, we said our pledge every single day. She took pride in the school and in her role. Even down to the mulch in the landscaping, you'd better not step in it. If only everyone had the drive and the ethics that she had. She was a great lady and an honorable respectable lady and lady with a positive mark on everything. My heart and condolences go out to her family and friends. You all will be in my prayers. This saddens me greatly and Mrs. Wright made such a positive input on lives and was a great influence on my upbringing.
02/20/2021
Lois and Steve Pendleton
We are so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Wright was a wonderful person. We feel privileged to have known her. She was an inspiration for all.
My most sincere condolences. I was saddened by the news of Jane's passing. May the thoughts and prayers of loved ones bring your family comfort.
WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY FOR YOUR FAMILY
02/18/2021
Pamela Daniels
So very sorry to hear of your precious Mothers passing. She always met you with a sincere warm and kind smile!
Lifting your family up!
A bright light has gone out in our little community with the passing of Jane G. Wright. I have long admired her and the way she led everyone around. I started school at West View in 1974 and she was my principal. My mother told me every once in a while that the first day of school I missed the bus going home. I wasn’t worried, I told the teacher Mrs. Wright would see me home- she was my neighbor. She did.
I also remember her round of breast cancer while I was in school. I believe she came to school every day through that time. I am sure there were days she didn’t feel like holding her head up, but we students NEVER knew of any. She was a natural leader and expected our very best. By expecting highly of us we preformed much better as students. She felt EVERY CHILD mattered.
I also grew up in Mt. Wesley church. Mrs. Wright was a leader in the church too. She taught the C.N. Garland Sunday school class for many many years. She gave of herself whenever or whatever was needed.
Family, I am so sorry for your loss.
We neighbors will miss her too. Jane G.Wright made me a better person today. Love to the family.
02/17/2021
Rusty Mitchell
So sorry to hear about the passing of a great woman! My principle the whole time at West View! I am so blessed in my life because she was my principle and I learned one action does cause a reaction! We knew our decisions had consequences for good or for bad! Thank you
I’d like to send my deepest sympathy to the family.
02/17/2021
Daryl & Sandra Rowe
A forever friend, always positive, grateful, interested in your life, a good listener, and a “doer”...will be forever missed; however, leaving us a super example and a bright shining star to remember.
02/17/2021
Claudia and Tom Lee
Sending our love and prayers to your family.
02/16/2021
Carolyn Presnell
My sincere condolences to the family. I was blessed to work with Mrs. Wright at Asbury Optional School until I retired as an Instructional Assistant. She was an amazing lady of God and I learned many life lessons by just having conversations with her. I know she touched many lives and her rewards will be great in Heaven. Until we see each other again, you will be missed precious, most special lady. My love in Christ
I am so sorry for your loss. Words can’t describe how sorry I am for your loss. You’re in my prayers. Mrs. Wright touched so many lives and was an inspiration to us all! She was a beautiful lady inside and out! We will truly miss her!
02/16/2021
Sherman johnson
JANE WRIGHT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEART!!!! AWESOME LADY!!!!! NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!! Sherman and sue
02/16/2021
Howard and Betty Gillis
Greg, Bebe, and Martha, Your mother was a special lady. She made an impression on each child she worked with. God gave her a special gift to work with children. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time.
I have so many fond memories of All of us growing up. I would love to hear from Anne! My prayers are with her family. Cherish the memories!
02/16/2021
Teresa Milhorn
So sorry for the loss of your mom and aunt and grandmother...praying for you and your family
02/16/2021
Mary Ann Stout
Mrs. Wright was one of a kind! The best! Much wisdom always with the right touch! She never knew, but I thought of her often. My prayers are with each of you; and for all her family and friends, may this farewell be wrapped in resurrection / reunion hope!
02/16/2021
Judy Nickell Markwood
I was fortunate that I was placed at West View School for the first three years of my employment in the Washington County School System. Jane was the principal and I thought the world of her. She knew everybody in the West View district and offered sage advice on how to handle the students. I have great memories of my time at West View. My prayers are with you during this time of loss.
02/16/2021
EC and Barbara Miller
We will miss Jane very much. She was very kind and helpful when she worked with Barbara and Jonathan Miller. Blessings to all the family in your loss.
A lovely lady that will never be forgotten. She gave her life to education for all. Our deepest sympathy from the entire Woods family.
02/16/2021
Wassan and Vickie Broyles
So sorry to hear about as I always called her Mrs. Wright. What a wonderful life she lived and raised a wonderful family and will surely be missed in our little community in Conklin. She may be gone from this Earth but her memories will live on forever with her friends and family. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Jane Wright. May God bless you all during this time and always, Wassan, Vickie, Benny and Jennifer Broyles.
02/16/2021
Mike and Linda Robinson
Our family would like to express our sincere love to Bebe and Marty as well as to all of Jane's family. As a principal she was greatly respected but later she came to be a true friend. Mike loved to make her laugh! Our children were always remembered and treated like family by Jane.
She will be greatly missed by many. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
02/16/2021
Lori Kinnick Smith
Prayers for the family during the loss of a great lady. She was the principal my entire elementary experience at West View..She always made sure to chat with the students but most of all she made sure to know the students. She was THE PRIME example of what a PRINCIPAL should be. Rest in peace and again my prayers go out to her entire family, coworkers and friends.
02/16/2021
John and Kim Hyatt
We are so sorry for your loss. She was an incredible woman.
It was just two weeks ago that I had the deepest thought about Jane, wondering how she was doing and now all too soon I know. I must say that of many people one meets in life, Jane Wright was one to always be remembered. She was a light in the darkness a candle of hope for many especially in the education field. Prayers for each of your family. losing a family member at any time is difficult and this past year has certainly been one that we as a world could never imagined. Peace and love as you lay your mother, grandmother, loved one to rest.
I am so sorry for your loss, I always had the upmost respect for Jane, she was such a wonderful person and excellent school administrator while my children had the privilege to attend Gray school. Prayers for family and friends
02/15/2021
Russell Treadway
Dear Wright family, you have our sincerest condolences on the loss of Mrs. Wright. She played a pivotal role in the education of West View and Gray elementary children. The hard work and dedication she showed to the children in her charge are examples that all should emulate. Mrs. Wright's legacy went above and beyond her call as an educator. She had very high standards for herself, her staff, her teachers, and most importantly her students. She spoke to us like we were her own children. She spoke to us like we were important. Even when looking out to an auditorium full of faces, it felt like she was speaking just to us, individually. The leadership and stewardship she exemplified, while at West View and Gray is felt in the community, the county, the great state of Tennessee, the United States, and around the world. Jane Garland Wright did not have to wonder if she made a difference, she did. Wright family all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It was an hour to begin my teaching career at Gray Elementary where Mrs. Wright was the principal. I absolutely adored working for her and I know the family will miss her so very dearly. Prayers for everyone during this difficult time. Jane Wright was a wonderful lady who blessed my life & so many others. It was a privilege to know her.
02/15/2021
Carroll Foster
So sorry to hear about Jane prayers for the family in the time of sorrow
To Greg, Bebe, and Martha, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a good friend and helped me very much at West View. She will be very much missed. God bless and many prayers during this time.
02/15/2021
Steve Stafford
Never knew Mrs Wright until our kids were at Gray Elementary. I don't think I have ever witnessed a finer principal of a school in my life, she had such a heart for each and every student there, a genuine love for all of them. I'm sure there are countless ones in the community who could share how Mrs Wright affected their lives in such a positive way during their childhood years. A tribute to one of the great leaders in our community!!!
Dear Greg, Bebe and Martha, words cannot convey our sense of loss of Jane who was such a dynamic force for all that is good in life. I know you feel this as well. I will long remember her keen wit and intellect, her love of life and family, and here dedication to keeping all of us connected through calls, letters and family reunions. I can imagine her now in heaven working with Gladys and Dorothy to keep all our ancestors engaged in trips and stimulating conversations that no doubt include what we are up to here on our earth walk. Ellen and I will cherish our memories of Jane and all of you forever. Jane fought the good fight, keep the faith and is now at rest. God bless you all.
02/15/2021
Lisa Rhodes Barnett
My heart breaks for Jane's family. She loved, and was loved by many, and will forever be in our memory. May God's grace and comfort be yours in the coming days. Peace be with you.
02/15/2021
Doraleen Miller
Our hearts go out to all family members as we keep everyone in our prayers. May the angels be with all.
02/15/2021
Daniel and Alda Kennedy
Our sympathy and prayers are with you at this time for the loss of your loved one.
02/14/2021
Larry and Betty Barr
Very sad to hear about Jane's passing. Great lady made a difference in lots of young lifes. We are keeping the family in our prayers.
It's with great sadness upon learning of the passing of Mrs. Wright. I had the privilege of working with her as a teacher @ West View Elementary from 1981-1985. I was "brand new" in my first teaching position. She was so supportive & helped me so much, especially that first year when I was hired "late" to replace Ron Dykes who'd been transferred to David Crockett H.S.
Jane was a consummate professional and always "Led by Example, out in Front"! She brought out the best in me, challenged me, and made me a much better Teacher!
She had a desire to do the same for every student, & loved them ALL without regard to "who they were, where they lived, what they looked like". She ALWAYS believed EVERY student had VALUE & POTENTIAL & the students LOVED her for BELIEVING in them!
May her family find peace and comfort in their memories of this AWESOME LADY in the days to come.
Mark H. Banks
02/14/2021
Sandra Fox and Zollie Berry
I loved Mrs. Jane for helping me through my student teaching and keeping that love to this day! Zollie says she will always remember the good times we all spent together in our younger days!
02/14/2021
Mark and Jackie Palmer
This lovely lady will be missed by her Illinois cousins. My dad introduced this family to us at a very young age and even though we live many miles apart we spent lots of fun times together. She will forever have a special place in our hearts. Thanks for all the memories. I know Jack and Doris will welcome you home. Hugs and much love to the family.
02/14/2021
James&Tina&TJ McCracken( Tina Bennett)
So sorry for your loss . Praying for the family at this time of need . She was a great person that I know . She will be truly missed .
