Mary Ward Wright

Mary Ward Wright, 91, of Candler, died on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at her home. Born on December 11, 1919, in the Reems Creek area of Buncombe Co., Mary was a daughter of the late Robert S. and May Buchanan Ward. Mary's mother passed away when she was 12-years old and she assisted in raising her younger brothers and sisters. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben Wright. Mary is survived by two loving sons, Michael W. Wright, of Asheville, and Douglas W. Wright, of Candler; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was also very fond of Max, her Chihuahua. Mary worked at Mrs. Boyd's grocery store in West Asheville. In 1942, she went to work for American Enka, working in several areas including Mr. Spaanbroek's office. At American Enka, Mary met Vergia Wright, who set her up on a date with her brother, Ben Wright. They went to Eckerd's on Patton Avenue for their first date. They were married in 1953. Mary helped manage her husband's dairy farm and was an active, faithful member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church in Candler since 1953. She had attended Pleasant Grove Union Church as a child growing up in the Reems Creek area. She was also active in the United Methodist Women, was a Cub Scouts Den Mother and 4-H leader, and was active in several other organizations, including the Home Demonstration Club, and Meals on Wheels, where she delivered meals for seven years. Mary had many interests including archeology (she collected a large number of arrowheads from fields in the area) wild flowers, constellations, and canning (peaches and green beans). A funeral service for Mary will be on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Snow Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. David E. Peeler officiating. Interment will follow in the church's cemetery. Her family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snow Hill United Methodist Church, 84 Snow Hill Church Rd., Candler, NC 28715