Margie Wright

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margie G. Estes Wright, was born in Baxter Springs, KS on October 2, 1930 and transitioned to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 in Minneapolis, MN at the age of 90. 

Margie will be remembered for her love of God, dedication to her family and Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she grew in the Lord and faithfully served all her life, and to her community.

Margie attended schools in Baxter Springs and went to college at Pittsburg State University earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She pledged and became a member of the Beta Nu Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1952. She spent summers in Minneapolis working at a bakery to earn money for college and as a young woman worked at Ramsay’s Department Store in Joplin.

Around that time, Margie met Lewis Wright who had returned to the area after serving in the Korean War and in 1954 they married. They welcomed three daughters to their union.

She served in the American Legion Auxiliary alongside her Mother and helped in the selection of students to attend the Kansas Boys and Girls State Program. After meeting Lewis, a motorcycle enthusiast, Mom learned how to ride motorcycles herself and she rode a 1968 Harley Davidson Electra Glide well into her 60’s.

In the 1960’s, Margie worked in the Head Start Program and, in 1970’s, began working as a teacher in the Baxter Springs USD #508. She taught at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools and then at the Middle School in Baxter Springs. Margie’s favorite subjects were English and Science. She was the first Black teacher in the district and for a few years served as the union representative.

Margie supported her daughters in education, Girls Scouts, sports, music, and dance. She encouraged each of her girls to get their education and attend college. She retired from teaching after more than 25 years. Following retirement and to remain engaged with students and her colleagues, she also served as a substitute teacher in the school system for a short time.

Before retiring Margie and Lewis became avid campers. At first, it was weekend trips to Branson, MO and before we knew it they were traveling all around North America, vacationing in Canada, South Texas, and visiting their girls, grandsons, and son-in-law. Margie took up woodworking for a while, enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and dabbled in quilt making.

In 2017, Margie decided to move to Minneapolis to be near her daughter, Michael. Her heart never left Kansas, a place where she had deep roots.

Margie is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Wright and Racquel Wright; son-in-law, Richard Edwards; grandsons, Ryan Edwards and Christopher Edwards; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, who all loved her. Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Wright; daughter, Michael Wright-Edwards; parents, Ray and Veoma (Woolridge) Estes; sister, Rayma Wiggins; and brothers, Richard Estes and Freddie Estes. Margie loved her family and was loved by those who knew her. She has now gone on to be with the Lord and those family members who preceded her. The Estes Quartet is once again singing God’s praises together.

Visitation will be held at Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin, MO 64804 from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, May 14. Funeral services will immediately follow, officiated by Rev. Albert Gallmon, Jr. Interment at Baxter Springs Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Parker Mortuary. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael Edwards Academic Scholarship Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to students with an outstanding academic record. Please send to Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3355 N. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55412.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.