Diane Joyce Wright

Diane was born in Chicago, IL on September 20, 1939 to the parents of James Wilson and Henrietta (North) Holden. She was their first daughter and second of six children in the family. When she was 8-years-old her family moved to Portage, Wisconsin. She graduated from Portage High School in 1957. Upon graduation she enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where she worked as a secretary at the hospital on base.

While in the Air Force she met her future husband, Marvin Wright, Jr. They were married in 1960 and she was honorably discharged after being wed. Shortly afterward they were stationed in the Azores Islands, Portugal. In 1961 Diane welcomed her first child, Teri Susan. In 1963 they returned to the US and resided in Batesville, Arkansas. In 1966 Diane welcomed her second child, Donald James. Later that year the family moved to Rio, Wisconsin where they resided till 1971. In 1971 the family moved to Tampa, Florida initially, then finally settling in Bradenton, Florida where Diane resided until 2010. She was married for 28 years, eventually divorcing in 1988.

Over the years, Diane had various jobs but most of her work-life was spent at Red Hoagland Pontiac/Buick/GMC in Bradenton working as a cashier and office clerk. She worked there for more than 25 years and made many lasting friendships with her coworkers. She retired in 2010. Upon retiring she moved to Kansas City to live with her daughter. In Kansas City she enjoyed the arts and entertainment the city offered, along with the great barbecue that the city is known for. In 2017 Diane and Teri returned to Florida, residing in the Fort Myers area.

Diane had many interests. She was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR and figure skating. She never missed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy each night, too. She enjoyed crafts and sewing, making several Halloween costumes for her grandchildren when they were young. She was also an ardent reader who probably read thousands of books over her lifetime.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings James Wilson Jr., Carol Larson, and Donald Wilson. She is survived by her sisters Patsy Knight and Edna Hoel (Richard) both of Wisconsin. She also had numerous nieces and nephews.

Diane’s pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Teri of Fort Myers, her son Donald (Donny) and his wife Maria and their three children, all of Batesville, Arkansas. Her three grandchildren are, Krysta Brown and her husband Eddie, Donald (Donnie) Wright Jr. and his fiancé Jessica Wheeler, Rachel Wright and her boyfriend Nicolas Wilson. She was blessed with her first great-grandchild, Lyla Rose Brown, in 2019. And she welcomed great-granddaughter Melody Faye Wheeler in 2024 with the engagement of Donnie and Jessica.

A small celebration of life will be planned for the future.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.