Mary Virginia Wright's Obituary
Mary Wright (89) passed away on October 19, 2025, in McKinney, Texas. She was a breast cancer survivor who enjoyed living independently. She left an incredible mark on all those who knew her. She will be missed.
She was born on January 11, 1936, to Odis and Zelma Armstrong Burkett in Red River County in the small town of Avery, Texas. She believed in the goodness of people, the love of her family, God, and country not necessarily in that order.
She is survived by her daughter, Terri Edwards of Dallas, her granddaughter, Paula Giglio (Jim Giglio), and great grandson, Jacob Giglio of Melissa. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Fitzgerald of Ft. Worth, and brother, Glenn Burkett of Reno. Her loving brother, Carl, predeceased her.
She was actively involved in the lives of her family. Her family was the one constant in her life that she knew she could always count on. She loved them deeply and enjoyed sharing tidbits of her early years with them. She was born in the midst of what would later be called "The Great Depression." She shared how her parents and grandparents bartered for the little money that changed hands. Although the depression ended, it impacted her outlook on life. She enjoyed the simple things that so many people took for granted, like walking in the woods or listening to the sound of birds as they sang and flitted about.
Mary was one of the most generous people you would ever meet. Had she won the lottery, she would gladly have given it away to see the joy on another's face. She loved to cook and share food with her neighbors. She would spend countless hours with grandson Jakey assisting with his homework. They built a replica of the Alamo for a history project, and she would help him incorporate his vocabulary words by writing stories to help him understand the words. Her love for him was undeniable.
She loved words and enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. She had an incredible library of books on varying subjects. Mary was extremely competitive in playing Scrabble and incorporated new words into her daily speech. She continually learned and shared her knowledge with others when possible. She had an outgoing personality and would talk to strangers in the stores, parking lot, or from her balcony. She was a person who left an imprint on every heart she touched.
Mary retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 40 years of service.
The following is one of the last things she wrote:
Listen with your heart to those precious whispered words, commit them to your memory like you've done before, because that day will come when you don't hear them anymore.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
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