Joann Elaine Wright

Obituary For Joann Elaine Wright

Joann Elaine Wright, affectionately known as Jody by her siblings, left this world on December 18, 2025, encircled by the love of her children and grandchildren. Born March 13, 1956, in Massillon, Ohio, the birth daughter of Essie Mae Collier, she carried the warmth and grit of her hometown throughout her life. Joann was lovingly raised by Hattie and Louis Murray Sr., who nurtured her spirit.

Jody was a proud graduate of Massillon High School and an ambitious learner, obtaining her associate’s degree from Mansfield Business College. A dedicated worker, she spent many years as an assembler at the Hoover Company until health challenges affected her ability to continue.

Life was a grand celebration for Joann, known for her love of partying and entertaining others. She thrived at the idea of bringing people together, enjoyed cooking and found joyful moments playing cards with family and friends. Jody also enjoyed piecing together puzzles with the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Dillard.

Her heart was a wellspring of love for her five children—Michael (Alicia) Wright, Christopher Wright, Marica (Lorenzo) Hinton, Kiki (Todd”) Robinson, and Sammesha Wright—whom she encouraged to live their dreams. A protector and defender of her brood, she cherished every moment with them. Joann had an unparalleled gift for nurturing her children with a love that was fierce and unmatched. She made certain her children remained close, fostering a bond that would carry them through life. Her legacy is sustained by thirty grandchildren and fifty-two great-grandchildren.

Joann will be remembered fondly by her surviving siblings—brothers Louis Tillman-Alford, John Alford, and Henry “Tommy” (Twanna) Collier, and sisters Maryann “Sandy” Alford and Patricia Tracy Collier— along with a host of family and friends who will carry her spirit forward.

She was reunited in eternity with her beloved mother, parents, husband Ivan Wright, brothers Nathaniel Collier, George Tillman, Robert Young, and Louis Murray Jr., grandson, Derrick J. Wright, and great-granddaughter, Donaraee B. Austin. However, with arms wide open, Rick Dillard, the love of her life and the man who helped her raise her family, awaited her arrival at Heaven’s Gate, escorting his Queen to her new home.

So let us come together, as Jody would have wanted, in love and laughter, holding onto the memories, traditions and legacy she leaves in our hearts. Let us honor her spirit and the joy she brought into our lives. Rest well, known to many as Joann, Hozay, Josey, Jody and Jo Wright- but to God as His child—you will be missed more than words can say. We love you always.

As we gather to honor the queen of our hearts, we will remember her warmth, her kindness, and the vibrant light she brought into our lives. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, family and friends will gather to celebrate Joann’s remarkable life at Sherrick Road Church of God, 1121 Sherrick Rd SE, Canton. The public viewing will take place at 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 PM with Pastor Patricia Stokes -Williams as the celebrant.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Joann Elaine Wright. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1617 Third Street N.E, Canton, OH, 44704 Phone 330-454-3901

Download funeral program