Virginia Eldridge Wright

Virginia Irene Eldridge Watts Wright was born May 1, 1936, in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Mr. Jessie Lee Eldridge and Mrs. Mary Sue Black Eldridge. Virginia was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and was a proud graduate of the Carver High School Class of 1955. While attending Carver High School Virginia was a member of the Carver High School “Yellow Jackets” marching band where she played the French horn. She was a life-long supporter of her alma mater. Upon graduation, Virginia married Robert Watts Jr. Some years later, she was remarried to Walter Hubert Wright, both who preceded her in death. Virginia attended Forsyth Technical Community College and became a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She worked at Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital during her early years as an LPN. Virginia later attended Winsalm Business College in Winston Salem and upon graduation, worked as a medical secretary at Baptist Hospital Bowman Gray School of Medicine. A few years later she began working at Wachovia Bank (as a bank teller and in the Trusts and Investments department) for many years. Throughout that time Virginia continued to work in the nursing field on a part-time basis at Pell Care Nursing Home. Her love and compassion for others motivated her to open and operate Wright’s Family Care Home in Winston-Salem. With the help of family and staff, Wright’s Family Care Home provided a warm, caring, and nurturing environment for elderly people who were no longer able to care for themselves in their homes. Virginia later returned to nursing full-time at the office of Dr. Kenneth Rhinehart, Cardiologist, in Winston-Salem, NC and later at Aegis in Winston-Salem. Following that she worked as a nurse at the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Detention and Correctional Centers. She always found ways to help those in need, including fostering children over the years for as long as her health allowed. During her childhood Virginia attended Shouse Temple CME Church. She later, as an adult, joined Saint Phillips Moravian Church bringing her 5 children faithfully to Sunday School and Church. She also made sure each child participated in various activities such as vacation bible school and trips to Camp Laurel Ridge where she also served as the camp nurse for the week. Virginia also sang in the choir, was a member of the Women’s Fellowship and served as church secretary. Virginia later united with Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, serving in different capacities such as van driver, usher, trustee and in numerous other ways when called upon. Virginia loved the Lord and loved her church and attended until her health declined. She remained a faithful disciple committed to serving others using her God given gifts and talents.Virginia not only made many beautiful outfits for her children throughout the years, but as a skilled seamstress she sewed for others as well. She learned to cook at an early age and there were always requests for 2nd and 3rd helpings for the many delicious dishes she prepared. With her, there was always room at the table for one more. Virginia loved gardening, flowers, and plants where many remain in her home. Her hobbies included making ceramics, crocheting, knitting, solving various types of puzzles, and traveling just to name a few. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends. Virginia was a dedicated member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc., serving faithfully for many years in different capacities including President. She loved her sorority and worked tirelessly as they upheld their motto, ‘Upward and Onward in Efficient Service.’ She proudly wore her sorority colors of emerald green and white. Virginia was preceded in death by her sister Margaret Louise Eldridge, her brother David Lee Eldridge, and her son-in-law Tellis Bernard Livingston. She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Rev. Warren Victor (Yvonne) Watts, Willis Robert Watts, June Watts Livingston, Dr. Tangela Watts (Cornelius) Battle and Wesley Dion (Paula) Watts; one sister, Juanita Eldridge; one brother, Harvey (Sandra) Eldridge; her eight grandchildren,Overseer Shonté Watts, Darrell Hill-Erby, Maj.Warren (Erin) Watts II, Tanethia Livingston, Min.Amanda Watts, Cornelius Battle Jr., Megan Watts and Diarra Battle; her nine great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Virginia Eldridge Wright

May 1, 1936 - February 3, 2022