Jean Wright

Jean Wright, born Etta May Hale on May 25, 1931; departed from all of us—who will forever feel the lack—on October 10, 2020 after a courageous fight against cancer, which took her body, but never for a minute conquered her soul. Born to Frank Hale and Emma Bouton in Sullivan County, Tennessee. Stepdaughter to William Koontz, who adored her as did so many. Beloved mother of Paul Rudolph Wright Jr., who owes all he has to Jean’s unrelenting devotion and care. A mother without compare, her loss cannot be mended, but her life will be honored and celebrated. Grandmother to her chosen namesake, Melissa Jean Wright, now 17 and the most worthy bearer of Jean’s indomitable spirit. She will carry Jean’s name to another life well-lived. Wife to Paul Rudolph Wright Sr and Louis Epstein. Mother-in-law to Hailin Zhou, who bonded with Jean over cooking and gardening; then, mother-in-law to Manjola Gjergji, who always saw in Jean her “spirit animal” and a woman of substance to admire and to emulate. Among surviving nephews by marriage, Jean was especially close to Scott Sweet, Mark Sweet, and Mike Wright, who were there for her in various ways in her final years. So very many called her “Auntie,” however, related or not. Anyone who bonded with Jean as “aunt” was forever altered for the better and was made kin by the experience. On her own by age 15, Jean traveled the U.S. making a life for herself in times most unforgiving to any young woman, let alone a woman adrift in a world dominated by men. She did many jobs, including many years as the spunkiest and best waitress around, one who would in a heartbeat tell you what’s what while still feeding you with a smile and a joke. This was a job of which she was rightly proud because she cared about doing it right; she was a daily reminder that all those who toil for us in whatever capacity deserve our respect. Jean's mind was so sharp that she could have done and been anything, especially if she had lived in a more supportive era; yet, it seemed no job could gratify her more than caring for and nurturing her child. She was incomparably accomplished at this. Despite her abiding devotion to her son, Jean always generously extended that circle of protective love to so many other young people—all the more remarkable for how difficult her own upbringing and early life were. Jean learned to love without condition the way an untrained musical genius picks up an instrument and somehow masters it. She improvised throughout her hard life and made of it a symphony. Children flocked to her care and to her understanding nature; so many animals did as well that St. Francis would be envious. Her beloved dog Maggie May survives her and will enter the care of her granddaughter. Jean is survived by friends and family beyond counting and naming here, in large part because she touched so many lives with her warmth, her humor, and her compassion. She was, as all who knew her experienced, passionate and larger than life—what she and her generation would call a true “character.” Most important, Jean excelled not only in persona, but also in having an inexhaustible well of goodwill. Tributes are encouraged on this website’s “Tribute Wall” from anyone who was shaped and loved by her. To paraphrase Shakespeare, we shall not look upon her like again. To watch the words of remembrance by the family, broadcasted live, click HERE *****Password: Jean