A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023 at Greenlawn Baptist Church with burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.
Annette, lovingly known to family and friends as "Tootsie", was born to John Claude and Estelle Ferguson Ashley. She graduated from Honea Path High School in 1947, and Erskine College in 1951, where she earned her degree in early education. Annette married the love of her life, LTC Benjamin C. Wright, USA, Ret., on August 4, 1956. While Ben was in the US Army, Annette taught elementary school on the bases he was stationed, and continued her love of teaching in Columbia, SC. Most of her 30+ years in education was spent teaching the 3rd grade at Meadowfield Elementary School (MES). The MES Mustangs were family to her.
"Tootsie" was the only one of her immediate family who did not attend Clemson University, only because it was an all-male military college at that time, Clemson A&M College. However, her family and friends will attest that she was the biggest Clemson fan of all! She and Ben were long time IPTAY members. They followed and cheered for the Tigers, attending most home football games at The Howard Field, and many bowl games.
Annette loved the game of Bridge and was a member of a few Bridge Clubs. She was quite the competitor.
Annette was a devoted member of Greenlawn Baptist Church. She was a loyal servant, in so many ways, to her Lord and Savior.
"Toots" loved the beach. She would spend a lot of her time over the years at Myrtle Beach.
Annette was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Adelaide Estelle Ashley and Evelyn Ashley Ramey and brothers, Richard Bert Ashley, Benjamin Donald Ashley, and Claude Max Ashley.
Left to cherish the memory of their mom and "Ma-Ma" are son, Benjamin C. "Jamie" Wright Jr. (Nancy) of Columbia; daughter, Melanie Wright Stecz (Scott) of Georgetown; grandchildren, Lauren Wright Watford (Shane Watford) and Jessica Wright Edgar, MD (Rev. Chase Edgar), Carson Stecz, Brandon Stecz, Preston Stecz; great grandchildren, Hayes and Barnes Watford, and Mary Andrew Edgar.
"Toot, Toot, Tootsie goodbye, Toot, Toot, Tootsie don't cry!" We will meet, again, one sweet day in Heaven!
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