Avis Wright

Avis Emery Wright

Avis Emery Wright was born August 26,1920 to Mamie Ferguson Emery and Ben Emery in Red River County, Texas. She grew up there on a farm and early learned how to work in the cotton fields and milking cows. She finished high school at the age of 15. Attended Paris Junior college near her home for one year. Then enrolled in what was then East Texas Teacher's College. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and taught 10 years in Detroit and Avery, Texas.

On July 4, 1938 she met Richard 0. Wright (Dick) and she knew then he was going to be her "one and only." They were married December 21, 1941 - two weeks after Pearl Harbor. Soon after that,

Dick went into the Engineers Corps, S.S. Division and they were apart for 3 years. When he returned, they lived for a while in Many, Louisiana. Avis decided she couldn't be a Cajun, so they moved back to Clarksville, Texas. Jobs were scarce, pay was low, living wasn't easy.

In 1959, "Missile Holes" were being "dug" in Roswell, New Mexico. The base was still here (Walker Air Force Base) and teachers were needed. Avis was offered a job at Washington Avenue School as a first-grade teacher. Dick was a welder so he had no doubts he could find a job. So, in August, they packed their belongings and moved to Roswell with a 12-year old son "Mike" and a 4-year old dog named "Joe." Avis stayed in Washington Avenue School until she retired in 1982. While there, she taught 1st, 3rd, and 6th grades. She often said she loved all her kids and most of their parents. Mike (her only child) died in 1990 in Dallas, Texas.

After retirement, Avis and Dick traveled all over the United States; made a train trip across Canada; toured the British Isles. They went to France and Germany so Dick could see the change from the way the countries looked when he left after World War II. As the years past and they couldn't travel long distance, they began to "Elder Hostel" - these programs were wonderful and not so strenuous as long tours. Age caught up with them. Dick's health began to fail and at the of 96, Dick passed from the Earth at home with Avis by his side. They had been married 67 years.

Avis was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church starting in 1974. She served as chair of the Administrative Board for nearly 20 years. She was a willing worker wherever she was needed. After Dick's death, she continued to be active in her church and helping out as much as her physical strength would let her.

Her "Pine Street Kids" have been a source of joy for her to see them grow up and become good workers and good citizens. They keep in touch with her from wherever they may be - just across town or across many states.

Avis was a member of Alpha Cappa Teacher's Sorority. She served as many of the chapter's officers. Her great interest in scholarships for graduating seniors was a hallmark of her service.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Assurance Home Inc., 1000 E. 18th St., Roswell, NM 88201.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 8, 2021 at South Park Cemetery.