Mabel Irene Wright

Mabel Irene Thompson Wright, 98, of Vidor, Texas, passed away March 2, 2023. Mabel was born July 27, 1924, in Uriah, Alabama, to James Alvin and Ida Belle (Seale) Thompson. Ida died when Mabel was just 13, which in time required her to drop out of school to help tend to her three younger siblings and father. She met her husband, Cooper Wright, at a church function and they were married July 28, 1942, the day after she turned 18. They were married 55 years. Cooper died in January of 1998. Mabel and Cooper owned and operated several businesses together throughout the years including Wright’s BBQ and Catering—still in business today. Mabel was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and served faithfully in many callings including 5 times as Relief Society President and was Primary President in her 70s. She and Cooper served a senior mission to the Oregon Portland Mission and then a temple mission in the St. George Utah Temple. She served as a temple worker in the Houston Temple for fifteen years, often traveling twice a week to perform her duties. She was an avid reader. In 2019 for example, she kept a list of the 62 books she had read during the year. Mabel believed time was precious and tried to never waste it. Mabel had many friends and enjoyed visiting with them in person or on the phone. She especially was delighted to be in the presence of her numerous posterity. Her home was always open for visitors. Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-mother Zelma Oswald Thompson, infant son George Wayne Wright, sisters Bonnie Barnes and Doris Baron and her brother Arnold Thompson. She is survived by her half-brother Mike (Theresa) Thompson, of Semmes, AL, sons Jack Wright (Glenda), of Vidor TX, Randal Wright (Wendy), of Spring Branch, TX; and daughter Janet Ladner (Don), of Cedar Park, TX. Her posterity includes 21 grandchildren, 87 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren who have always called her Nanny. She loved them all and made each feel very special.

Visitation will be Friday, March 10 from 7-9pm at Memorial Funeral Home on Hwy 12 in Vidor, TX. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hwy 105 in Vidor at 10:00 am Saturday, March 11, with burial afterwards at the Williamson Cemetery.