Obituary of Josephine Dockery Wright

Josephine Dockery Wright died March 19, 2018 at age 94 at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief illness. Jo was born September 8, 1923, in Fall Creek, North Carolina, one of twin daughters of Charles Walter Dockery and Ellen Conley Dockery. She grew up in Surry County with her twin, Irene, and four other brothers and sisters who all predeceased her. Jo attended Pfeiffer Junior College from 1941-44, where she met her future husband, Alton Wright. After Pfeiffer, Jo attended Appalachian State Teachers College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts. She also pursued graduate studies at the University of Tennessee. Jo taught high school home economics for over thirty years. Her students loved her and she loved them. She was awarded the North Carolina Home Economics Teacher of the Year in 1975. Throughout her career, Jo was active in the North Carolina Education Association and other teachers' organizations. Jo married Alton Wright in 1949 in a wedding in the home Alton had chosen as a surprise wedding gift in Florence, South Carolina. They later lived in Wilmington, N.C. and Charlotte. Jo and Alton became members of Dilworth United Methodist Church shortly after moving to Charlotte, and Jo was active in Sunday School and her circle. She also enjoyed her neighbors on Reynolds Drive and her good friends from teaching. Jo and Alton had three children: Sue, Jean and Charles. Sue and her husband, Steve Farrington, have one son, Stephen John. Jean and her husband, Jim Veilleux, have two children, Alex and Liza. Charles and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Jake and Zeb. Jo was able to remain at home for many years after Alton's death in 2002 due to the excellent and loving care of Jo's friend, Vernell Bouie. After Jo moved to Asbury Care Center, Vernell assisted the Asbury staff in caring for her. Jo loved Vernell "a bushel and a peck" and our family would like to express our deep appreciation for her loving care. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 E. Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, followed by a light lunch at the church. The body will be interred in the Dockery family cemetery on Twin Oaks Road in Elkin, NC. Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to Dilworth United Methodist Church. Hankins and Whittington Funeral Services is handling arrangements for the family. Arrangements are in care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service. Please share online condolences @ www.hankinsandwhittington.com