November 16, 1925 ~ June 23, 2026 (age 100)
Mary Anna (Higdon) Wright was born in Madisonville, KY on November 16th, 1925. Mary passed away after a brief illness on June 23rd, 2026 in Opelika, AL after having celebrated her 100th birthday with family and dear friends in November of 2025
During the height of WWII Mary traveled via bus to Orlando, FL to marry Volney Wright Jr. (Earlington, KY) who was serving at the time as a Medical Assistant in the Army Air Corp. They were wed on January 28th, 1944 at the First Melodist Church Orlando.
While stationed in Orlando Mary and Volney lived in a small off-base second floor apartment and Mary worked in the Bakery Department at the Orlando Food Palace on Orange Avenue.
At the end of the war they would return to western Kentucky briefly before moving to Evansville, IN to begin their post war life. Volney’s career with Met Life led them to reside in Terre Haute, IN., Elkhart, IN. and ultimately to Winter Haven, FL in October of 1974. Volney passed away in March 1985. Mary continued to live in Winter Haven until moving to Auburn, AL in 2009.
Mary is survived by her two sons, both of which were born in Evansville, IN., David Keith Wright (Jean K Wright) of LeHigh Acres, FL born on December 18, 1951, and Gary Lee Wright of Auburn, AL born on October 18, 1962.
Mary has two Grandchildren Mary Elizabeth Wright Evans (Zach Evans) of Lenoir City, TN and Kyle A. Wright of Rock Mill, SC. In addition, Mary has numerous nieces and nephews with whom she has always stayed in close contact. She often said that she has the nicest and best family.
Preceding her in death were her parents Edgar Clay Higdon and Pearl (Barnett) Higdon of Madisonville, KY. Her husband, Volney Wright, Jr., sister Norine (Higdon) Warren (Mortons Gap, KY), brother Barnett A. Higdon (Nashville, TN), sister Nannie L. (Higdon) Ashby (Madisonville, KY), and brothers Edgar Clay Higdon, Jr. and Robert N. Higdon, both victims of childhood diphtheria.
Mary was an avid reader, lover of animals and her favorite musical talent was George Strait attending several of his concerts including one when she was in her 90’s. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with friends and family.
Barnett Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville, KY is in charge of arrangements. Services are planned for July 1st, 2026 at Barnett Strother with visitation beginning at 9 AM followed by her funeral at 10 AM also at Barnett Strother with burial immediately following at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, a donation in her memory to one of her favorite charities such as the Humane Society, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc. would certainly honor her.
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
