Mary Jeanne Wright

Mary Jeanne Stallings Wright, 90, went to be with our Lord on November 30, 2020, surrounded by her family. Her life gave witness to God's unending love; the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years, John L. Wright, Jr., Birmingham, AL,; her parents, Irma Lee and Millard Stallings, Birmingham, AL.; sister, Betty Rae Cowart, Powder Springs, GA.; and son-in-law, John Coleman, Birmingham, AL. She is survived by her five children: Debra Wright Carmack (Hubert), Jacksonville, AL; John Leo Wright, III (Katie), Montevallo, AL.; Teresa Roberson Coleman, Birmingham, AL.; Maureen Wright Spears (Eddie), Montevallo, AL.; and Mark Wade Wright (Peggy), Maylene, AL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: James Lee Roberson (Suzanne), Christie Brooke Wright, Kathryn Blair Wright, Aaron Stallings Wright (Evan), Meghaan Wright Coston (Skylar), Caroline Elizabeth Carmack, Justin Madison Spears (Shannon), and Sean Wade Wright (Leita); 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her greatly. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Jeanne grew up in Edgewood, and attended Shades Cahaba High School where she was instrumental in the publication of the school annual and newspaper. She was active in the drama and art programs. She was a leader and officer in her class and graduated with honors in 1947. After graduation she attended the University of Alabama at the age of 16 where she studied art. Jeanne began her professional career at The Birmingham News and Post Herald in 1949, where she worked as a telephone solicitor in the classified advertising department. During this time at the paper, she met and fell in love with John L. Wright, Jr. They married on April 15, 1950, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in April, 2015. During her career with The Birmingham News and Post Herald, Jeanne was named Telephone Room Supervisor, then became Telephone Sales Manager. In 1983 she was promoted to Classified Advertising Manager and became the first female advertising executive for The Birmingham News and Post Herald. While in this position, she was responsible for the implementation of a computerized system for that department. Jeanne held many regional leadership positions and was President of the Southern Classified Advertising Managers Association (SCAMA). Upon her retirement from the Birmingham News she spent over 20 years volunteering at UAB Hospital. She was also an office volunteer for the residents at the Regency Terrace Condominiums. Her most favorite retirement activity was spending time with her family at Laguna Beach, Florida.

Along with her husband, John, she was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church having served in the Altar Sodality and by the giving of her time, talents and treasure. Jeanne also spent many hours cooking meals and volunteering to serve the homeless at the Firehouse Shelter in Birmingham, Alabama. She was considered by her peers to be a gifted artist. She was also an avid and respected bridge player and enjoyed being challenged by the Birmingham News and New York Times crosswords. The Wright Family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Home Care Connection, Brian Nunnelly, owner, for providing so many caring angels over the last few years, especially Veronica Parker, Neva Collins, Cassandra Harris, and Tina Mladucky and to the health care professionals of Hospices Services of Alabama.

The family will hold a private service at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest donations be made to the charity of your choice or a local arts program. Be Kind!