Willie Lucille Wright
Willie Lucille Wright, better known as “Lucille”, was born on September 3, 1941, to Wilbur Moreland and Mattie Porch Moreland in Concord, Ga., where she attended the Pike County Consolidated High School.
After the death of her parents, Lucille and siblings moved with their late Uncle Bud and Aunt Alberta Walker to Chattanooga, on Dec. 31, 1957. Once settled, she attended and graduated from Howard High School, class of 1960.
Lucille and family were very spiritually active at Phillips Temple AME Church, however they later moved their membership to Wesley Chapel Christian Community Church, pastored by the late Rev. Herbert. H. Wright.
In December, 1967, Lucille and Rev. Wright were married as she joined him as First Lady of Wesley Chapel and also in the fight advocating for civil rights and equal opportunities for all Chattanoogans. She was very devoted to her church and served as a Stewardess, Choir Member, Sunday School Superintendent, Board of Education member and Board Leader.
Lucille worked diligently in her community where she led, served, joined or volunteered in numerous organizations, including: the Action Community Council (A.C.C), Volunteer Community School, President of The Avondale Neighborhood Association, Chattanooga Weed and Seed anti-drug program as well as many others. Lucille was honored with the distinguished title of Master Gardener by the University of Tennessee Extension Program and was the first African-American and woman to run for the elected office of Chattanooga Fire and Police Commissioner.
Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Herbert H. Wright, parents, Wilbur and Mattie Porch Moreland, Uncle and Aunt Bud and Alberta Walker, brother Willie B. Moreland and son Michael Wright.
She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Cecil R. Wright, Jacksonville, FL; Samuel (ShonNeeka) Wright, Alpharetta, GA; and Marcus X. (Bemeika) Wright, Woodstock, GA; four daughters, Margaret (Dorsey) Summerfield, Shreveport, LA; Thelma Wright and Tawana Wright, both of Grand Junction, TN; and Brenda (Spencer) Jones, Chattanooga, TN; one sister, Lettie Jean McIntyre, Chattanooga, TN; and one brother, Earlie James (Mildred) Moreland; twenty grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, the Hartsfield family, other relatives, god-children, and friends.
The body will lie in state after noon day and the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 30, at Wesley Chapel Church, 1813 Wilson Street. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Gardens.