Johnnie L. Wright

Johnnie Lee Wright was born on July 28,1937 in Holcomb, Mississippi.  He was the first son and second of nineteen children born to the late Jacob Sr., and Henrietta (nee Williams) Wright. He passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Silver Cross Medical Center. 

He moved to Joliet, Illinois as a child and attended the Fairmont School System. He later joined the U.S. Military where he was honorably discharged after 2 years of service. 

He accepted Christ at a young age at Mt Zion Full Gospel Tabernacle Church and later joined Mount Zion Baptist Church. He was an active member of the church for over 50 years-serving as a Trustee, Treasurer and President of the Angelic Choir which later evolved to the Voices of Zion. 

Johnnie was employed by Caterpillar, Inc for over 40 years.  Following retirement, he worked for the Joliet Township High School District. Throughout his life, he enjoyed bowling, long road trips, and taking meticulous care of his home, rental properties and fancy cars. “Mr. Wright” as many called him, loved long naps in his favorite chair, home cooked meals, multiple trips to his favorite home improvement stores and quality time spent with those he loved.

Johnnie was preceeded in death by his parents and wife of 50 years, Williamenia Wright, who passed away in 2011. Seven sisters: Christine Robison, Minnie Bates-Hervey, Elizabeth Wright-Mack, Mary Ellen Sanders, Arlena Durly, Zepporah Owings and Samuella Kilpatrick.

He is survived by his wife of 5 years Shirley, daughters Lisa M. Hicks and Jeannine M. Patterson. He was “PaPa” to grand-daughters, Ashlyn N. Hicks and McKenzie E Patterson and “Uncle John” to 5 brothers: Clarence (Yolanda) Wright, Arlee (Mae Lois) Wright, Jacob Wright Jr., Robert (Debra) Wright and Walter (Victoria) Wright; and 6 Sisters: Rosie Smith-Moore, Evelyn Shannon, Ruth Myvett, Birdella (Randall) Hall-Walker, Miriam Bostick and Linda Wright. Johnnie also leaves behind a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones who will miss him dearly. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnnie L. Wright, please visit our floral store.