Betty Joyce Wright

Obituary For Betty Joyce Wright

Betty Joyce Hamilton-Wright was born on August 6, 1950, in Dade City, FL, to Norman Hamilton, Sr. and Emma Walker-Hamilton. She was a devoted wife, mother, and beloved community member. As the middle child in her large family, she was cherished by all her siblings. Betty was baptized at Mount Zion AME Church, where she actively served as President of the Junior Choir and Guild Association. She graduated in 1968 from Mickens High School; excelling academically and musically, playing the cornet in the school band and winning various pageant titles, including Miss Home Economics, Junior Attendant to Miss Homecoming, and runner-up for Miss Pasco County.

After graduation, Betty moved to Miami to attend Florida Memorial University, where she continued her involvement in pageantry. She was crowned Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was there she met her future husband, George Henry Wright, Sr. Joined by their union, are six daughters and two sons.

Betty had a 34-year career at Florida International University (FIU), where she was known for her professionalism, earning multiple Employee of the Year honors. A faithful member of Memorial Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Jesus Peoples' Ministries, Betty was deeply committed to serving the Lord and others.

She was a loving and fun mother, creating special memories with her children and later with her grandchildren. Betty's joy was in making their lives special-whether by taking them to the county fair each year, to the movie theater, or to the many events at FIU where she worked. She was always instrumental in volunteering and supporting all of their school's events and educational endeavors. Betty's nurturing nature extended to her husband and other family members, especially as she cared for George during his final years with unwavering devotion.

On November 19, 2024 Betty was called home to glory to receive her angelic wings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Emma Walker-Hamilton, her husband, George Henry Wright, Sr., and six siblings: Emily Collie, Willie Hamilton, Alvin Hamilton, J.R. Dino, Otis Hamilton, and Elworth Ella Boatwright. She leaves behind her eight children: George H. Wright, Jr. (Deidra) of Sunrise, FL; Staci J. Wright of Miami, FL; Shannon J. Wright of Miami, FL; Sharrada P. Wright of Plantation, FL; Saifra Wright (Jessie) of Miami, FL; Statche Wright of Miami, FL; bonus daughter Rev. Helen Johnson-Ford (Roderick) of Altamonte Springs, FL; and bonus son Thomas Pla of Richmond Heights, FL. She is also survived by one brother, Norman Hamilton Jr. (Joann) of Indianapolis, IN; three sisters, Janice Wells (Bennie) of Lacoochee, FL; Sandra "Ninchy" Hamilton (Yishay) of Lacoochee, FL; Carlene Snead (Andrew) of Jacksonville, FL; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will be cherished forever.

Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Betty Joyce Wright will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the BTW Funeral Services Chapel. Burial: Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Professional Services entrusted to Blankumsee, Thomas & Wright Funeral Services of Quitman, Georgia.