Lillie Frances Evans Wright, an avid reader, closed her last chapter in this world on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Her life exemplified her Savior's model for living, with determination and courage.

She was born to Edward Eugene and Caroline Russell Evans on June 29, 1930, in Macon, Mississippi. Her parents moved to Lucedale when Frances was in the second grade. She attended Lucedale School (now L. C. Hatcher), graduating in 1947. She then attended West Mississippi Junior College, and later, the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduating from USM and having taught school for a short while in Monticello, Mississippi, she married James Carroll Wright. In 1952, she began a new adventure as the wife of an Air Force senior master sergeant stationed in California. After living there four years, with two toddler boys in tow, they moved their family to Alaska. After adding one more member to the family, they moved again to Michigan, then finally back to Lucedale.

Frances then resumed her teaching career with George County Schools. While teaching fourth grade, she became a reading specialist, and then moved to administration, working under the direction of Dr. Barbara Massey.  She continued her education earning a masters and AAA certification from USM.

She was instrumental, with Dr. Massey, in implementing Kindergarten in the school system.

Frances retired after 26 years to help with family members and enjoy her grandchildren. She continued a long history of teaching her Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, Lucedale.

After her health declined and she could no longer attend church services, she continued to be a faithful member utilizing online services and by being a prayer warrior for those on the prayer list.

She is survived by her children; John Edward (Harriet) Wright of Lucedale, James Carroll Wright, Jr. of Biloxi, and Michael Eugene Wright of Orlando, Florida.

Grandchildren are Hannah Eleanor (David) Hart, Hope Elizabeth (Matthew) Jacques, John Edmond (Elizabeth) Wright, Elizabeth Caroline Wright, Catherine Melinda (Christian) Wells, Lillie Megan Maximo, Sean Michael Wright, and Jayme Claire Wright.

Great grandchildren are Ethan James Hernandez, Joseph Edward Jacques, Jude Matthew Jacques, Lucy Frances Wright, Campbell Marie Wright, Felix Alexander Maximo, and Joaquin Andre Maximo.

One sister-in-law; Mary Evelyn Evans and three nephews; Edward Russell Evans Jr., Justin Dorsett Evans, and Raymon Stennis Durrett Evans.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carroll Wright, her parents, Edward and Carolyn Evans, and her brother, Edd Russell Evans.

Pallbearers are Michael Wright, Russell Evans, Sean Wright, Edmond Wright, Ethan Hernandez, David Hart, Dallas Hannon, and Scottie Hebert. Honorary Pallbearers are James Wright, Jr., Durrett Evans, Matthew Jacques, and Jamie Charlton.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church Lucedale, 345 Summer St., Lucedale, MS. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00-11:30 am at First Baptist Church Lucedale, 345 Summer St, Lucedale.

In lieu of flowers the family said feel free to make donations to First Baptist Church of Lucedale, ST. Jude's Children's Hospital or French Camp Academy in French Camp, MS.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112 , www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.