Anita Marie Wright

Anita Marie Wright, age 58 years, a resident of Joppa and a former resident of the Simpson community, passed away Saturday evening, April 9, 2016, at 7:29 PM at her home. Anita was born September 13, 1957 in Vienna, Illinois. She was the 11th child born to Thomas Elmer and Marie (Shoemaker) Newton. Anita was united in marriage to David H. Wright on June 14, 1975 at the Simpson Baptist Church. He survives. In addition to her husband, Anita is survived by: her 3 sons – Joshua K. Wright (and friend, Nora Gass) of Eddyville, Jason L. (his wife, Sherri) Wright of the Reevesville community, and Joe D. (his fiancé, Ashley Merideth) Wright of Simpson; 4 grandsons, who affectionately called her “Ga-Ga” – Ryan, Elijah, Samuel and Tristan; 10 brothers and sisters – Cliff (his wife, Janice) Newton, Harry (his wife, Linda) Newton, and Ron Newton all of Indiana, Sharon (her husband, Dorris) Thomas of rural Golconda, David (his wife, Tonya) Newton of Texas, Joy Caplinger of Energy, Jean (her husband, Bud) Larrison-Kerr of Mt. Vernon, Susie (her husand, Floyd) Summers of Goreville, Tom (his wife, Diana) Newton and Anita’s twin sister – Gayla Ruth Warren of Mt. Vernon & Gayla’s friend, Andy Bielong of Ashley; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends including her church family at the Joppa Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by a sister-in-law – Charlene Newton, a brother-in-law – Troy Eddleman, and an aunt – Ruby Dungan. Anita was a 1975 graduate of Vienna High School. She had worked at a number of area restaurants as a waitress and cook but most recently was employed at Rube’s Diner in Metropolis. Anita was honored to be a “Pastor’s Wife.” She was a faithful member of the Joppa Missionary Baptist Church, where David serves as pastor. She had served as the church custodian. Anita loved to sing in the church choir and with the praise team. Anita was also served as a member of the BYW, or Baptist Young Women, during her tenure at Joppa Missionary Baptist. Anita was devoted to her family and loved spending time with them. She especially cherished the time she spent with her beloved grandsons, particularly swimming and pool time. Anita is remembered as a true example of a Christian wife, mom, and “ga-ga.” Anita enjoyed gardening, canning, occasional “get-aways” to Okawville, and, like her mother, collected dolls. A Funeral Service honoring the life of Anita Wright will be conducted Wednesday morning, April 13, 2016, at 11 AM at the Joppa Missionary Baptist Church, 215 Pearl Street, Joppa, Illinois. Pastor Frank Forthman and Pastor Terry Mathis will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Springs Cemetery, north of Simpson. Pastor David Dyer will officiate at the committal service. Public visitation will be held Tuesday evening, April 12, 2016, from 5 PM – 7 PM and from 10 AM – 11 AM Wednesday at the Joppa Missionary Baptist Church. The family will have a private visitation time from 4 PM - 5 PM Tuesday, prior to the church being opened to the public. Memorials may be made to the Rock Springs Cemetery Fund, c/o Roy Kerley, 8335 State Route 147, Simpson, Illinois 62985.

Anita Marie Wright

September 13, 1957 - April 9, 2016