Carolyn Frandsen Wright

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she immediately developed a sense of adventure where she spent her childhood days in lock-step with her brother and the neighborhood boys. Forever a brilliant student, she graduated from Tulsa’s Central High School in 1957 and set off for Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

There, she maintained her exemplary academic record while serving as a beloved President of the Tri Delta sorority. In 1960, Kiki was crowned SMU’s homecoming queen. She graduated in 1961 and married her college sweetheart, Ken, in 1962.

Corporate relocations took the Wrights throughout the country, living in Dallas, Tulsa, Deerfield, and Seattle before landing in Dunwoody’s The Branches neighborhood in 1976. Everywhere she went, she made lifelong friendships which she maintained and cherished throughout her life.

In Georgia, Kiki raised her three children, managed the books for her husband’s company, and became an active tennis player. She was a hands-on mother, always happily involved in her children’s activities—from being a den mother for Cub Scouts to supporting cheerleading and drill teams at North Springs High School. Kiki’s brilliance, thoughtfulness and problem-solving skills were legendary. If something broke or someone needed help, you called Kiki—because she would make it right.

Throughout every step of life, Kiki adored her family and the feelings were mutual. A matriarch for the ages, she shared an especially close bond with her children who all moved to the Dunwoody area as adults to raise their families with Kiki’s helping hand. Known lovingly as “Baggie” to her grandchildren, she was a central figure in their lives—hosting sleepovers, costume parties, Nintendo 64 tournaments, and countless family events. She was their playmate, storyteller, fort-builder, and trusted confidant.

An avid traveler, Kiki relished exploring Europe, riding camels in Egypt, and hiking America’s National Parks. She was happiest in, on, or near the water, whether it was Amelia Island, Lake Santeetlah, or the pool in her backyard. An avid reader, she was known to ruin many a paperback after falling asleep in the bath with a good book. She never met a game she didn’t like, and was especially adept at bridge and gin rummy. She was sarcastic and quick to laugh at a joke or herself.

Kiki will be missed beyond measure, but her love, intelligence, unwavering kindness, and joy for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives and the memories she leaves behind.

Kiki is survived by her daughters Carrie Hancock of Dunwoody, Tracy Grady (Rob) of Sandy Springs, and her son Ken C. Wright III (Terri) of Dunwoody, as well as her beloved grandchildren Shelby Grady (Gavin), Tyler Hancock (Sarah Margaret), Will Grady, Troy Hancock, Cassidy Wright, and Clayton Wright.