Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

Willie Joe Wright was born on January 24, 1930 in Alvin, South Carolina. He was first of three children born to the late John Wright Jr. and Rosalie Gamble. Mr. John went on to father 10 more children.

Willie Joe accepted Christ at an early age but strayed for some years. He later returned to his Christian upbringing - heart, soul and mind - and totally committed himself to the Lord.

Willie Joe began his education in the public schools of Berkeley County. Being the oldest child, he dropped out of school and started working to help support his mother and siblings. He was ambitious and worked various jobs to support his family. He retired from Georgia Pacific.

Willie Joe was united in holy matrimony to Annie Rose Brown on June 28, 1947, and they remained married for over 72 years until his death. To this union six boys were born. They also took in other children and helped to raise them.

Willie Joe was a dedicated and faithful member of White Chapel Holiness Church for many years and served as Senior Deacon.  He also served in other capacities. For a while, he was the church janitor cleaning both natural and spiritual. He also provided transportation for the ushers to various churches on Sunday afternoons. He was faithful in all of his ministries. Willie Joe served under the leadership of many pastors at White Chapel, lastly, Elder Roderick Sumpter.

Willie Joe knew that a family was a great blessing from God, and he loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and  great-great-grandchildren. Yes, Willie Joe was blessed to be able to enjoy five generations. He made a positive impact in their lives. He also was a pillar in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Willie Joe entered into eternal life with the Lord on Sunday, March 1, 2020 in Charleston, SC.

Willie Joe was preceded in death by eight of his biological siblings.

Willie Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Annie Rose Wright of St. Stephen, SC; two sons, Victor (Mary) Wright of Moncks Corner, SC and Vernon (Brenda) Wright of Stone Mountain, GA; five siblings, Ulysses (Glennie Mae) Greene and Alaphair Ferguson of Alvin, SC, Levester Greene of Florence, SC, Joe L. (Debra) Wright of Kissimmee, FL and Lillie (John) Hamlet of Columbia, SC; 16 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and spiritual children.

Home Going Services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 272 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. Burial will be in Emanuel Reformed Episcopal Church Cemetery, Alvin, SC. Viewing will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel.