Wanda Wright

Wanda Lee Wright, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast.

She was born April 28, 1931, in Piggott, Arkansas, to Ernest and Minnie Lewis Smart. She and Walter James "Buddy" Wright were married Feb. 12, 1950, at Greenway, Arkansas. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 2022.

Wanda was a graduate of Greenway High School. She received a degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and attended Mississippi State University, and Ole Miss and received a master’s degree with a specialist in reading.

She was an elementary reading teacher in the Cape Girardeau public schools. She and her husband operated Wright Properties, from which she never retired and was still taking care of at the time of her passing.

Wanda enjoyed square dancing and bowling leagues. She loved hosting parties, especially Christmas, with family and friends.

Wanda and Walter were proud members of a reunion group made up of husbands and wives of the U.S. Marine Corps 4th Battalion. They called themselves the "Fighting Fourth". For years, members would host a reunion in their hometown. Wanda and Walter were very proud to host the 2012 reunion in Cape Girardeau.

She was a member of Centenary Methodist Church.

Survivors include her brother, Ivan Smart of Piggott; sister, Katherine (Jack) Webb of Clarksville, Tennessee; four nephews, Mark Webb of Clarksville, Steve Webb of Winchester, Tennessee, John Webb of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Shannon Smart of Cherry Valley, Arkansas; niece, Mindy Carter of Greenway; several great-nieces and great-nephews; two brothers-in-law, Don (Peggy) Wright of St. Louis and Gordon (Sheila) Wright of Cape Girardeau; and four sisters-in-law, Nellie Sanders of Memphis, Tennessee, Leola Rebstock of Kennett; Patricia Causey of Sikeston and Jodi (Doug) Nesslein of Cape Girardeau.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter James Wright; daughter, Deborah Lynn Wright; brother-in-law, Frank Wright; and sister-in-law, Sammye Ratliff.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Parry officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Bible Missionary Church or Fruitland Community Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.