Elder Martha Manns Wright

Elder Martha Manns Wright, 85, of Martinsville, Virginia, left her earthly home on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Sovah Health-Martinsville. She was born on October 8, 1938, to the late John Robert Manns and Ada Lee Redd Manns. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Taundra Wright Preston; five brothers, Nathaniel D. Manns, Aaron R. Manns, Matthew C. Manns, Willard M. Manns and Paul J. Manns; three sisters, Birda L. Wade, Viola E. Manns, and Mary Ann Manns; and great granddaughter, Davianna Turner.

Elder Wright was a member of St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she served as an Elder, Evangelist, Church Mother, Sunday School teacher, Missionary, YPHA Advisor, Chaplain, member of the Senior Choir, the Faithfullettes singing group, Pentecostal Senior Choir, Praise and Worship leader, field worker, and protim pastor of House of the Lord.

She graduated from George W. Carver in 1958 and later went on to graduate from the Pentecostal School of Theology. She worked as a CNA at Stanleytown Health & Rehab as well as private duty cases. She had many talents and gifts, one being Hospitality. She loved God and teaching His word. Most impressively, she could recall a scripture for every letter of the alphabet, never re-using a verse. She coined this talent, “The ABC’s of Bible Verses.” Her family was dear to her heart; she loved her children, grandchildren, and great children. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Granny Big Mama!”

Elder Wright is survived by her two daughters, Miyoshie Wright Hairston, and Jonna Price Wright; her son, Marcus Wright (girlfriend Laureen); father of children, Thomas Wright; 7 grandchildren; 21great grandchildren; a sister, Florence M. Preston (Wilbert); two sisters in law, Ethel Manns and Kaye Manns; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends; and a special friend and neighbor, Ms. Peggy Young.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, 12:15 p.m. at the Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc., 980 Carver Road, Martinsville, Virginia 24112. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with Vice Bishop Bernard Florence presiding and Pastor Bobby Agnew, officiating. A burial will follow at the St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bassettfuneralservice.com. Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Wright family.