Edward Wright

Edward Wright was born, December 25, 1940, as a Christmas gift to James Wright and Estella Hall- Wright in Sumner, Mississippi. Edward accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Fryson Baptist Church in Sumner, Mississippi at an early age. He attended St. James Elementary School in Sumner, Mississippi. Edward’s parents sent him to Kansas City, Missouri to live with his elder brother, JB for a better a life away from the cruel, segregated, rural south.

Edward attended Central High School and was on the track and field team. He was a star athlete and he won several medals in track and field events. While in high school, he met and married the love of his life, Winona Bolden. To this union, three children were born, two daughters and one son. Sherry Julia, Charlan Patrice and Edward LeRoy. He also helped to raise his nephew John H. Bolden. Edward loved his family. He also loved people. He never met a stranger. He was unselfish and always thought about the well being of others. He enjoyed giving monetary gifts if there wasn't a need. Edward was humorous and had a pleasant personality. He kept you smiling and laughing. Edward had a remarkable way of telling stories that would captivate you. He also loved to dance. He could dance the night away. Edward was brisk on his feet and created his own moves. He was affectionately known as “Jig”. He loved sports, especially the Chiefs and boxing.

Edward was enthusiastic when it came to automobiles and entrepreneurship. He started at a young age working at a carwash, detailing vehicles. With his talents and wonderful sense of humor he came up with an idea to dress up as a clown and greet customers as they entered the carwash. His idea and creativity were great for business and it drew many people to the carwash.  He later worked at Van Chevrolet as a porter, Hertz Rental, in transportation, Nova Farm, as an auto salesman, and Cake Box Bakery as a delivery truck driver.

His passion for automobiles led him to become an entrepreneur, opening up his own business,  Wright and Son Auto Sale and Repair.  After thirty- five years of excellent service he retired. However, he continued to help others by sharing his knowledge and experiences. All who patronized Wright and Son Auto Sale and Repairs, including his employees, will remember him as an altruistic businessman. To know him was to love him.

During Edward’s illness and the pandemic, he found comfort in worshipping with his wife and the Ward Chapel/Cain Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church, by way of Zoom with Pastor Carmi V. Woods. He also enjoyed the sermons of his grandson, Pastor Marlon Jones of St. Luke AME Church in Waco, Texas.

Edward departed this life peacefully, on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at his home with his wife; what a glorious day to be with his Savior.  He was proceeded in death by both parents, James and Estella Wright, six brothers, Emmett, Louis, Cleotha, James, Willie and JB Wright.

Edward leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 63 years, Winona Wright, three children Sherry (Patrick) Talbert of Raytown Missouri, Edward (Marilyn Rochelle) Wright of Kansas City, Missouri, and Charlan (Rodney K. Sr.) Green of Raytown, Missouri; and a dear nephew that he helped to raise, John H. (Toi) Bolden of Ontario, California. A special daughter,

Valerie (Sharkey) Carter-Jordan, God grandson Damon Carter, three sisters, Louise Hill, Willie Mae Tinner, Addie (Noble) Atkinson, of Kansas City, Missouri, eight grandchildren, Scherrie (Marlon) Jones, Elisha (Larry) Jackson, Ashley Talbert, Megan Wright, Edward LeJon (Keionna) Wright, Mariah Wright, Rodney Jr. (Felicia) Green, and Robyn (Jalonda) Green, and 22 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Due to COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.