01/06/2026
Mrs. Shirley Eugene Wright was born in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, the ninth of fifteen children born to George Wesley Duncan and Ludie Ruby Johnson Duncan. From the very beginning, Shirley possessed a spirit that could never be dimmed—strong-willed, creative, stylish, and full of life.
She graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1953, where academics proudly took second place to her true loves: basketball and dancing. Shirley was known far and wide for her devotion to the game—so much so that everyone knew better than to schedule an emergency during a basketball game, because survival was questionable if you interrupted her watching her game.
In 1953, Shirley met the love of her life, Will R. Wright Jr., and by 1954 they married beginning a partnership that would shape the rest of her life. Their journey began in Flint, Michigan, before they settled in Chicago, Illinois, where they would spend the next 40 years building a life, a family, and a legacy. Together, they welcomed seven children. Although Will dreamed of having twelve children, Shirley was quick to put that idea to rest. Much to Will’s dismay, when the youngest was still a toddler, Shirley entered the workforce, beginning her career at the Cook County Department of Public Aid.
After several years of dedicated service, Shirley transitioned to the Chicago Public School System, where she worked faithfully until retirement. Even retirement could not slow her down. After relocating to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Shirley realized she was not yet ready to sit still and returned to work at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she remained until retiring for good.
A woman of faith, Shirley joined Independence Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1959, where she was an active member until 1996. Her faith guided her life, her service, and her love for others.
Shirley Wright was the ultimate fashion plate—super creative, outgoing, energetic, and always impeccably put together. Each morning, she rose early to comb six heads of hair, all adorned with matching barrettes and ribbons, before heading off to work, ensuring her shoes and purse were perfectly coordinated. Evan’s and Madison’s Department Stores were longtime beneficiaries of her impeccable taste. Though she was a world-class shopper, Shirley was also a gifted seamstress, creating countless matching outfits for her six daughters—typically dividing them into “the big kids” and “the little kids,” each group dressed alike.
She had a deep love for beauty and home, constantly finding ways to enhance her surroundings. Shirley was also an exceptional cook who never disappointed. Her family fondly remembers liver and onions, smothered chicken, hearty pot roast, perch, whiting, and her irresistible sweets—all prepared with love.
Unofficially, Shirley was in charge of the family’s weddings, a role she assumed naturally and without pay. If you found yourself helping, it was simply because she had already decided where you belonged. Her children learned early that what was theirs often became hers—diplomas immediately passed to her after graduation, wedding dresses, prom gowns, and centerpieces gathered up and saved for her next creative endeavor.
Shirley valued her relationships deeply, but none were more legendary than the one she shared with her sisters. Together with Dorothy and Mary Lou, they became known by many names—the Three Musketeers, the Speed Demons, or the Road Runners—three inseparable forces who moved through life with laughter, mischief, and an unbreakable bond. They thought nothing of jumping in the car for a “quick” trip to Detroit or Arkansas. And when Shirley said quick, she meant quick. Their shared lead foot made sure of that—a trait many in the family proudly inherited.
Shirley spent many joyful years in Pine Bluff with her beloved husband until his passing, enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and treasured friends. Her final days were spent in Huntsville, Alabama, in the home of her daughter, where she attended an adult day center. There, she continued doing what she loved most—socializing, staying active, and even catching the eye of one of the gentlemen in attendance.
Shirley Eugene Wright was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Will R. Wright Jr.; her parents, George Wesley Duncan and Ludie Ruby Johnson Duncan; and thirteen beloved siblings.
She leaves to cherish in her memory seven children: Kenneth Wright (Diane), Carol Boyd, Iva Anita Williams, Verneice Wright, Phyllis France (Demetrius), Brenda Wright-Love, and Sharon Whittaker; eight grandsons—Siwatu, Kafele(Shayla), Julian, Cornelius Jr., Khamisi(Chelsea), Malcolm, Dwight, and Maurice; five granddaughters—Folyan(Justice), Lauren, Ashlee(Akeem), Sidni( Marquise), and Nya, one honorary granddaughter and great-granddaughter - Nonnie and Nkanyezi; twenty great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever hold her love, laughter, lessons, and legacy in their hearts.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9. 2026, at Northside Seventh Day Adventist Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Adrian Valcin. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by the Family.
www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com
