Ona Wright

Ona Pearl Wright, 100, left this world Monday, July 10, 2006, to join her heavenly family -- parents, Charles P. and Henrietta Green Wright; brothers, Guy and Clyde Wright; sisters, Opal Wright and Theola Wright Schafer.

Ona's beautiful mind, sense of humor and generous heart were amazing to all who knew her. She was talented in so many areas of her life, loved and remembered for her dutiful and loving heart as she cared for each of her family in times of need.

Ona will be missed for she was the "Pearl" of love in the hearts of her family and many friends, providing support, advice, love and laughter in a way so special and incomparable.

Born in Jackson April 27, 1906, and raised in Cape Girardeau, graduating from Central High School in 1925, and the Steimle Business College, Ona spread goodness to many generations.

Early employment began with Woolworth's in 1925 and we all loved hearing as she would relate to the "how we did it back then", as well as "how far the Mississippi River reached into town", prior to the flood gates.

World War II found her on the home front, wrapping bandages and assisting the USO for the service of her country, and in honor of beloved nephews fighting on the front lines for peace.

Her long years of service with R.B. Potashnick Construction Inc. began in 1935, brought an organized, brilliant and talented mind for loyal service to her employer, "Mr. R.B." She was a faithful employee until her retirement in 1994 at the age of 88.

Ona was a member of the National Secretaries Association and has been a life member of Centenary United Methodist Church, and United Methodist Women, faithful to her creator and her church.

She moved to Chateau Girardeau retirement residence in 1991 where she found beauty and friendship the last years of her life.

Always the "giver and doer," Ona now is a "receiver of care" as she rests in the loving hands of God, surrounded once again with her beloved immediate family, as well as nephews Gene and Robert "Bob" Wright of Jackson, and Joseph Charles Wright of California.

She is survived by her nephew and wife, Clyde and Juanita Wright; nieces, Evelyn Wright Fuller and husband, Wally Fuller, all of Arizona, and Eloise Wright Thompson of California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews to the 5th generation.

Family and friends celebrate her life and know now that "her mission in life is complete."

Viewing will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. Eric Snyder and the Rev. Jeff Long will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Fruitland.

Friends who wish may contribute to "Ona's special fund for elder care" in care of Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Ona enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. We will miss you Aunt Ona, but your spirit will always be with us.