Elizabeth Hatcher Wright

Beth was born July 4, 1933 in Fort Valley, Georgia, the oldest daughter of the late Elizabeth Hall Hatcher and Marshall Felton Hatcher. She was a member of Advent Episcopal Church in Tallahassee. Beth was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, James Leitch Wright, Jr., and sister, Margaret Hatcher Wagner.

Beth graduated as the valedictorian of Fort Valley High School before attending Randolph-Macon Woman's College. She then went on to graduate school at the University of Virginia, where she earned her master's degree in international affairs. It was at UVA where she met Leitch Wright, a doctoral student in history. Throughout her studies, Beth intended to work for the State Department in the Soviet Union. She was almost through with her official testing to be a Foreign Service Officer when she met Leitch. Not long after meeting, Beth decided the Soviet Union would have to wait and they were married.

Beth and Leitch were well-matched life partners, and they enjoyed thirty happy years of marriage until Leitch's untimely passing in 1989. Beth continued using her eye for detail and knowledge of history to ably proofread and edit all of her husband's scholarly publications on the Creek and Seminole Indians throughout his academic career.

Beth loved to read, play tennis, and spend time with her grandchildren. She shared her birthday with America and enjoyed hosting all of her children and grandchildren for annual July 4th getaways.

Beth volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over thirty-five years. Her friends enjoyed her wit and company in several book clubs, the Florida Economics Club, and water aerobics classes. Beth was well-known by friends and family for her passion for reciting poetry, a habit which she practiced regularly and skillfully.

Survivors include her five children, Felton Wright (Bonnie) of Tallahassee; Nancy Wright (Hank) of Tallahassee; Maggie Wright of Lexington, Kentucky; Helen Lansing (Doug) of Rome, Georgia; and Lucy Leaming (Tom) of Cartersville, Georgia. Beth had six grandchildren, Jamie Wright; Tim Holt (Alexis); Katie and Lucy Lansing; and Will and Helen Lee Leaming. Beth had one great-grandchild, Wesley Holt. Beth is also survived by her sister Mary Lynde Way (Bub) of Hawkinsville, Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A memorial service will be held on November 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Advent Episcopal Church with a reception in the fellowship hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Advent Episcopal Church, 815 Piedmont Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32312 or Elder Care Services, Inc. c/o Meals on Wheels, 2518 W Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32304.