Frances Wright (Wright) Thomas

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Frances Wright Thomas announce her passing on Monday March 23, 2026 at the age of 78. Frances will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Richard G. Thomas, her children, Charles Thomas, Marisa Easter (David), Evan Thomas and Gayle George (Carl); her grandchildren, Aaron, Noah, Jaylen, Amaya; bonus grand, Erica and her children, Y’monnee, Alannah, and Monae as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones formed not by blood but by heart. Frances was cherished deeply by
many. She leaves behind a legacy of unyielding kindness and love. Frances is joined in rest by her mother, Rosa B. Wright and father, Edward Wright Sr.
She was the fourth of five children: Edward Wright Jr., Willette Hines (Marvin Sr.), Clayton Wright (deceased) and Rose Odessa Thompson (Freeman).

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Frances attended public school in Norfolk and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and was an honor graduate at Norfolk State University where she received her bachelor’s degree. As a lifelong learner, she also pursued graduate studies in special education at Norfolk State, Old Dominion and Regent Universities.
After working many years in local social service agencies and community service boards, she poured her love and talents into teaching children with special needs in Va Beach and Norfolk Public Schools. During quiet times, she enjoyed baking, reading and spending time with family. Our dear Frances was a lifetime member of Historic Saint John’s A.M.E Church having been placed on the Cradle Roll as an infant. She re-committed her life to Christ under the pastorate of the Reverend I.W. Knight, Sr. She was an active member of several organizations including the Lay Organization, Stewardess Board #3(former president, vice president), Female Usher Board #2(former chaplain, president and vice president), Nannie C. Phelps Women’s Missionary Society( Mable C. Young Unit Leader) and the Mamie Kornegay Fellowship Group. She particularly enjoyed serving in the music ministry singing with her husband in the Virginia Annual Conference Choir for many years. Frances took great pleasure in working alongside her brothers and sisters in serving the Lord. One of her favorite scriptures is Romans 8: 38-39: "For I am
persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord".

A Celebration of Frances’ Life will be held on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at Saint John’s A.M.E. Church, 545 E. Bute St, Norfolk, 23510. Her viewing will take place at 10:00 followed by the funeral service at 11:00 and a repass thereafter.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our extended family, friends, Reverend Christian Savage, St. John’s family, Wilson Family, Willie Davis, and countless others who quickly surrounded us with prayer, love and support.

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