Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Zelma Lee Wright

9/17/1921 - 6/4/2026

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Obituary For Mrs. Zelma Lee Wright

Mrs. Zelma Lee Wright, 104, of Clayton, OH formerly of Beckley, WV passed Saturday, June 4, 2026 with family by her side.

Zelma was born on September 17, 1921, in Landgraff, WV. She lived in Beckley, WV until moving to Dayton, OH, in 2020, due to her health, where her daughter and son-in-law, Hugo & Sharon Diggs took care of her.

Zelma was married to William Henry Wright on June 28, 1938.To this union, three children, Sharon C. Diggs (Hugo), Nina ‘Jane’ Gates, Ph.D. (Charles), and Dorothy L. Wright Jordon (Harrison) were born.

Zelma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, William Henry Wright; daughter, Nina “Jane” Wright Gates; mother and stepfather, Nina Thompson Smith and Joseph “Joe” Smith; birth father, who passed when she was young, Cornelius Thompson, and sisters, Faustina Tench, Bertha Hickman, Mildred Bailey, Barbara Jo Spencer, Benice Calloway, Stephanie Conners, and brother, C.V. Thompson,

Zelma was the last living alumnus of her Stratton High School Class of 1938, she dedicated her life to nursing, education, faith, and community service. Beginning her career as an LPN, she later earned her registered nursing degree and advanced credentials as a nurse practitioner through studies at Case Western Reserve University, Wright State University, and West Virginia University. After 25 years of service at the Beckley Veterans Medical Center, she retired and continued her lifelong commitment to helping others through numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations.

Zelma, a faithful member of First Baptist Church of North Beckley since 1938, Zelma served in many leadership and ministry roles. She was also active with organizations including AARP, the American Cancer Society, the NAACP, the Red Cross, nursing associations, and local community groups. Recognized for her outstanding service and leadership, she was a member of the West Virginia Voter Hall of Fame, having voted in every election since age 21. Her life leaves a lasting legacy of service, dedication, and civic responsibility.

Zelma was survived by one brother, Kent Smith, two daughters, Dorothy L. Wright Jordon (Harrison Jordon), and Sharon C. Wright Diggs (Hugo Diggs); three beloved sons-in-law: Hugo Diggs, Charles Gates and Harrison Jordon; five grandchildren, David Diggs, Charles “Chuck” Gates, Jr., Michelle Jordon, Renee Jordon Jones, and Stephanie Gates; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Wilson latjan sent Beautiful Dreams for Mrs. Zelma Lee Wright - 06/18/2026

    With deep sympathies from the Lathan family

Condolences

  • 06/20/2026

    My deepest condolences at the loss of your lovely mother. She was an amazing mentor. Those gifts will forever be with me. All our love. Arline Family

  • 06/19/2026

    Grandma's possessed a rare, selfless heart, always prioritizing the needs of others above her own. Whether offering a listening ear, volunteering hours to local causes, or dropping everything to help a neighbor in a time of need, Her profound impact on the community leaves a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was loved immensely and will forever remain in our hearts. She was a wonderful person, a wonderful Grandmother. Thanks to her generous nature and wisdom I have a ton of memories that continue to make me smile Love, Renee

  • 06/19/2026

    She was one of the beautiful woman I have ever having the pleasure of knowing. I did yard work at their resident and it helped me with my first year at Beckley College ...Lee Leftwich

  • 06/19/2026

    To my dear Mother, You have had a wonderful journey in your lifetime. You have proven anything can be achieved if you work hard and seize the opportunities when presented, which is exactly what you did. You were able to excel at the top of all endeavors beginning with being an LPN, then RN and then a PA at the Veterans Hospital. What can I say, you were a true trailblazer for African American's and Women alike. It can't go without mentioning the unselfish commitment to North Beckley Church, the members, community, friends and family. You Zelma being "Thelma" and Aunt Faustina being "Louise", from the movie "Thelma & Louise", both of you crusaded Beckley together providing food and clothing to any one in need. And it didn't stop there you also volunteered your time at the library and community events. You have left a huge impact on those that knew you as well as those that didn't. You will be sorely missed and loved and may you rest in peace mama, with a lot of love Dorothy

  • 06/17/2026

    Memories of my fantastic Grandmother, Zelma Wright. My memories, begin as a young child spending summers with her and my grandfather, was amazing and never a dull moment. We attended church, visited friends and family, went to the pool and the day always ended with a great meal to include fresh vegetables from the garden. She was such a generous person with a huge heart who dedicated her life assisting and giving to others. It is hard for me to believe I won't hear her lovely voice, her delicate hugs, enlightening me and my cousins with her wisdom and experiences in her lifetime, she was truly amazing. Although now she is one of Gods and/or the creators precious angels and I know she is watching over all of us and protecting us as we navigate our own journey(s). Grandma, I will miss you and may you rest in peace, with a ton of love, Michelle (Shelly).

  • 06/15/2026

    My sincere sympathy and condolences to the Wright family. I worked with Zelma at Beckley VAMC and she was truly a blessing to me and others. RIP my friend.

  • 06/15/2026

    Zelma was one of the sweetest ladies I've had the privilege of knowing and working with. She was one of a kind! I retired from the Beckley VAMC in 1995 after 30 years of service. Zelma was a blessing to me and to her patients. May God give you the comfort you need during this difficult time.

  • 06/15/2026

    To the family of Mrs Zelma Wright, I extend my heartfelt condolences during your time of sorrow. Ms Zelma and her husband were dear lifelong friends of my parents Ms Zelma will fondly be remembered as a woman of great faith, character and a trailblazer in the health care arena for people of color. She took me under her wings when I started my nursing journey back in the late seventies, therefore I stand proudly on her shoulders with the path she created May God keep you in his loving care during your time of bereavement Terri Ritchie Brown and family

  • 06/14/2026

    I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Mrs.Zelma. I grew up goin to North Beckley church with my grandmother Mrs. Thelma Dyer. And I have very fond childhood memories of Zelma as a great mentor for the youth. As an adult She would always tell me I should get into nursing. Well, I finally did. Thank you to her for being such a positive role model to many young people., for a life well lived.

  • 06/14/2026

    I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Zelma she was always loving, caring and a great support for us ALL. I have known her since my grandfather was the Pastor of First Baptist Church of North Beckley. Rev William J. Carter and June Carter they were Friends/Family with not only her but Ms. Faustina as well. Rest in Paradise Mrs. Zelma you have fought a good fight and you have finished your course. We will forever love you for all of the Love that you have ALWAYS shown us.🩷🩷🩷 Please tell my Grandparents that I love and miss them!🩷

  • 06/12/2026

    May your heart find comfort knowing that your love one is at home Love Gwendolyn E.March Jones &Family Toledo, Ohio

  • 06/11/2026

    To one of the most beautiful and gracious lady that I had the pleasure of knowing. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

  • 06/07/2026

    My prayers and condolences go to the family of Ms Zelma Wright was my mother's friend. My mother's name is Ruth Green and my mother died on June 4, 2019. I Ms. Wright died on June 4, 2026. What a coincidence like I say, my prayers and condolences go to the family. Sincerely, Oketta Green Nickens, and family of Ruth Green.

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