Elaine Ina Wright Ballard

Born October 26, 1925 in Abbot, Arkansas, she was the remaining family member and oldest daughter of the late Dr. John Esque Wright and Maude Elizabeth Lile Wright.

Educated in Oklahoma schools, Elaine graduated from Whitesboro High School. She attended Wilburton Junior College and received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern University, Tahlequah, OK, in 1947. Elaine spent most of her 32 years teaching kindergarten in Middlesex County, NJ.

A very active member of the Village Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, FL, Elaine loved serving through Christian outreach and visiting those no longer able to attend Sunday services.

Elaine was a longtime member of Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, FL, where she played golf and enjoyed social activities. She was a dedicated fan of the Atlanta Braves and never missed a televised game.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, J. Lee Ballard (September 1, 2014), whom she married December 21, 1947. Additionally, Elaine was preceded by a son, Bruce R. Ballard; and four siblings, Robert Wright, Harold Wright, John Esque Wright II and Eupha Harvey.

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Dryden and husband, Paul, of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Paul E. Dryden and wife, Kathleen, Christopher Dryden and wife, Christine, all of Charlotte, Brian Ballard and Jason Ballard, of New Jersey; along with six great-grandchildren, Gabriel, June, Beatrice, Patrick, Eric and Lily; Sisters-in-law Eunice Wright of Garland, TX, and Marie Ballard of Longview, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services are planned for 3:00 PM Thursday, May 4, 2017, with Visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, at Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212, with Captain USN (Retired) Young Chang Ha, Military Chaplain, officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Elaine Ballard may be made to:

First Baptist Church of Palm Beach Gardens, 11980 Alternate A1A, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 or

Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.