Norma Jean Wright, age 81, formerly of Edwards, Missouri, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the Lincoln Community Care Center in Lincoln, Missouri. She was born on March 30, 1942, in Salina, Oklahoma, the daughter of Albert Manion and Teresa Agness (Robertson) Manion.
On July 16, 1960 Norma Jean, married Franklin Clair Wright. Together, Jean and Clair established their home on a farm near Fiery Fork in Camden County, later relocating to Benton County in 1972. She found joy in quilting and lovingly crafted heirloom quilts, which she delighted in gifting to her family and close friends.
Jean was a compassionate and sociable woman who effortlessly made deep, long-lasting friendships, whom she loved as an extended family. Her passion for education led her to become a devoted school teacher, dedicating 18 years to teaching first grade and GED classes. She remained committed to learning and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association.
Her faith was an integral part of her life, as she was a dedicated member of Saint Ann's Catholic Church since 1972 and actively participated in the Saint Ann's Altar and Rosary Society. Jean, along with her husband Clair, was also a member of the Saddle Club and managed cattle on the farm until 2011. However, her greatest source of pride were her two daughters, Teresa and Rebecca.
Norma Jean Wright is preceded in death by her husband Clair, both of her parents, four brothers, Little Albert Manion, Donald Manion, Jack Cole, Bobby Cole and three sisters, Joann McAdams, Laura Cole and Betty Cole.
She is survived by her loving daughters: Teresa Nell Munson and her husband Michael of Warsaw, Missouri, and Rebecca Anne Mueller and her husband Kenneth of Lincoln, Missouri, four grandchildren: Justin Munson and his wife Catherine Kuzmeski of Augusta, Georgia; Jessica Munson of Warsaw, Missouri; Linda Haddock and her husband Cale of Warsaw, Missouri; and Alan Mueller and his wife Sarah of Hughesville, Missouri. Jean leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Carter Munson, Jackson Haddock, and Cobie Claire Haddock, three sisters, Mary Markland, Patricia McLaughlin, Judy Reed, and one brother, Edward Manion, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.
Funeral services for Norma Jean Wright will take place at 10:15 A.M. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Warsaw, Missouri.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M., with the Rosary commencing at 9:45 A.M. Graveside services will follow the funeral at the Grainger Cemetery near Climax Springs, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Climax Springs School Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Norma Jean Wright's legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to her family, friends, and education will forever be cherished and remembered by all whose lives she touched.
