Ola Jean Wright

Ola Jean Wright, 97 years, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at her home. She was born on November 5, 1922, in Centertown, Mo., the daughter of Dewey and Millie Vogel Gibler. She was married on November 5, 1942, in Jefferson City, Mo. to Clinton Wright who preceded her in death on November 26, 1991. A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Jean attended Harmony Grove, Pleasant Grove, and Kings Chapel Elementary schools. She later went on to graduate from Centertown High School in 1940. Jean worked at Tweedie Footwear Co. and later was a 17 year employee as a library clerk and secretary for Jefferson City Public Schools. She was also a charter member of the Jefferson City Public Schools Association of Educational Secretaries. Jean possessed a strong faith and for much of her life, she was a member of the Free Methodist Church serving as an assistant Secretary-Treasurer and teaching children's Sunday school classes for more than 30 years. In 1997, she joined Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, where she maintained an active membership and enjoyed the fellowship of the Joy Sunday School class. She was an avid gardener and a lifetime member of the Bittersweet Garden Club, Jefferson City, also serving on the Concord Baptist Church Beautification Committee, helping tend to the church's many flower gardens. Jean had a love for the outdoors, always working in her flower gardens for all to enjoy. She will be remembered for her giving heart and dedication to helping others. She was always there to lend a smile, her time, a friendly conversation, or just make family and friends feel special. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, canning, and cooking for her family. Most of all, Jean loved spending time with her family, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a passion for life and always enjoyed every moment. Survivors include: two daughters, Carolyn Thomasson of Jefferson City, Mo. and Brenda Wright of Wheatland, Mo.; three sisters, Evelyn Stock (husband Dennis) of California, Mo., Rita Connell of Jefferson City, Mo., and Catherine Vaughan (husband Richard) of Lohman, Mo.; four grandchildren, Kendall Thomasson of Kirksville, Mo., Dwaine Claxton (wife Christy) of Mesa, Ariz., Brett Claxton (wife Deneise) of Mustang, Okla., and Karla Washington (husband Kerry) of Columbia, Mo.; one nephew, Jerry Wright (wife Maureen) of Jefferson City, Mo.; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 49 years, Clinton; one sister, Laverne Wadley-Carson; four brothers, Richard Gibler, William Gibler, Roy Lee Gibler, and James Dewey Gibler; one son-in-law, Gary Thomasson; one sister-in-law, Irene Gibler; and four brothers-in-law, John Wadley, Curtis Connell, Charles Carson, and Gene Belt. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private funeral service will be held at Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle and the Reverend John Forsythe officiating. Private graveside services and interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2020 for friends to view by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home to be given to her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Concord Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com