Click this link below to view additional details about Mildred Ellis Wright services, including any available live streams:

https://my.gather.app/remember/mildred-ellis-wright

Mildred Ellis Wright, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away peacefully at her residence in Orange, Virginia, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Orange County on November 26, 1936, to William Hill Ellis, Sr. and Essie Vaxhtie Coleman-Ellis. Mildred lived a life dedicated to her family, her church, and her community.

For 62 years, she shared a unique bond with the love of her life, the late Deacon John Calvin Wright, Sr. Their union blessed them with four children: Bebe, Willie, John, and Jerry.

Mildred's education began at a one-room schoolhouse in the neighborhood in which she lived and completed her education at George Washington Carver High School. She skillfully balanced raising her family with a dedicated career, working 20 years at Clarostat and holding a second job in domestic work before retiring after 21 years at Liberty Fabrics in 1999. Her keen eye and attention to detail made her an invaluable asset, often called upon to inspect garments for high-end clients.

Faith in God was the foundation of Mildred's life. At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout her life, she was a devoted church member. She and her husband, the late Deacon John Wright, Sr., served faithfully at the Peach Grove Baptist Church and later, the Shady Grove Baptist Church. She was very serious about her church ministry and joyfully served on the Gospel choir, First Sunday choir, Combined choir, the Deaconate Board, Women's Ministry, Redeeming Hearts Club, and the Beautification Committee. She also enjoyed participating in the church's annual health fair. She shared her faith when visiting nursing homes, other church congregations, and when talking with family and friends. Her loving spirit and wisdom earned her the affectionate title of "Mother Mildred."

To know her was to love her. Mildred's generosity and kindness touched countless lives. She readily opened her home to family and friends by babysitting her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbor's children. Her heart was sensitive to others which was shown by the love she shared through acts of service, cooking meals, and providing transportation to those in need.

She is survived by her three children, Geraldine Ellis, Orange, Willie (Frank) Dickerson, Gordonsville, John (Yinoris) Wright, Jr., Williamsburg; one daughter-in-law Judith Rodwell Wright, Orange; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, one sister Mary Wright, Orange; one brother William "Pete" Ellis, Jr., Orange; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her sister Mary was her riding partner, and they were fondly known as M&M because they were usually seen together.

Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon John Calvin Wright, Sr.; her parents, William and Essie Ellis; her son, Jerry Odell Wright; a great-granddaughter Brooklyn Monique Ellis; and her brothers, Robert Lee Couram, Ernest Ellis, Joe Ellis, and Leroy Ellis.

Mildred's legacy will live on through her natural and church families. As we walk through life's pathway and the journey gets tough, Mildred Ellis Wright would encourage all to walk in faith. Her advice was "If you are going to pray, don't worry and if you're going to worry, don't pray."

To the Wright family, we at  D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.