Jo Ann Wright

Mrs. Jo Ann Wright passed away peacefully at her home in Nashville, TN on July 19, 2015, surrounded by her family. She was 84 years old. A gifted artist; animal lover; gardener; golfer (made a hole-in-one!); poet; interior decorator; bridge player; avid reader; marvelous cook; and inspired maker of holiday magic, she created beauty and joy wherever she went. She was a current and past member of many Nashville clubs and organizations, including the Centennial Club and Hillwood Country Club. She also raised four boys with unfailing love, understanding and courage. She allowed her children room to grow and develop into unique individuals, ever supporting their dreams, and holding her breath through their adventures. Jo Ann was a generous, gracious and gentle spirit, with a will of iron and a heart of gold. Sadly, the world will seem a bit dimmer now without her lovely light. Jo Ann is survived by her four sons, Ernest, David, Craig and Charles Matthews; three daughters-in-law, Ana Lisa, Gail and Melissa Matthews; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and her two beloved dogs, Smokey and Giles. She is predeceased by her parents, Charles (Carroll) and Helen V. Hammack, and two wonderful husbands, Ernest C. Matthews III and Richard M. Wright III. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane in Nashville from five to eight o’clock in the evening. Funeral service will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning at Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Blvd., on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Interment and committal to follow funeral service at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nashville Humane Association in her honor.