Obituary for Ben Wright Jr.
Ben Wright Jr., age 83, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at The University of Michigan Hospital.
Ben was born on September 3, 1936 in Albany, Georgia to the late Ben T. Wright, Sr. and Luvenia Duncan.
On August 19, 1967 Ben married the former Naomi Pennington in Detroit, Michigan. Together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage and welcomed two daughters: Whitney Wright, of Atlanta, GA and Lesley Wright of Ann Arbor, MI. Also surviving is his daughter, Kathie Harvey of Detroit, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Devon and Darius Harvey of Detroit and Charmaine Harvey of China, as well as a great-grandchild, Kennedy, and many relatives, cousins and friends.
Ben accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age.
He enjoyed attending sporting events with his step-father Elroy Scott as a child. He enjoyed playing recreational basketball in his younger days and followed the Detroit Pistons regularly.
After graduating from high school at Northwestern High School in Detroit, he worked with his step-dad at R C Mahon. He was drafted into the Army in 1959 and served until 1965 as a Medical Specialist. After being discharged from the Army he returned to Michigan where he pursued his degree in nursing eventually graduating from Wayne State University with his BSN. He worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years in Psychiatric Nursing. While he was in nursing school he met his wife Naomi at Ypsilanti Regional Psychiatric Hospital (YRPH). He built a home for his family and settled in Pittsfield Township, Michigan.
In his later years he remained active, travelling to see family, church attendance, watching NFL, NBA and boxing events. He also enjoyed watching old black and white films with his children. He also had a love of music especially Jazz, R & B and Gospel.
Ben was a big brother to more than 30 children who passed through his parents foster care home in Detroit, a few continued to reach out to him and his family.
A Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 20, 2019 at Radiant Church, 410 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, with Pastor Jeremy Brown officiating, you may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until time of service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries or the American Heart Association.
Ben was born on September 3, 1936 in Albany, Georgia to the late Ben T. Wright, Sr. and Luvenia Duncan.
On August 19, 1967 Ben married the former Naomi Pennington in Detroit, Michigan. Together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage and welcomed two daughters: Whitney Wright, of Atlanta, GA and Lesley Wright of Ann Arbor, MI. Also surviving is his daughter, Kathie Harvey of Detroit, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Devon and Darius Harvey of Detroit and Charmaine Harvey of China, as well as a great-grandchild, Kennedy, and many relatives, cousins and friends.
Ben accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age.
He enjoyed attending sporting events with his step-father Elroy Scott as a child. He enjoyed playing recreational basketball in his younger days and followed the Detroit Pistons regularly.
After graduating from high school at Northwestern High School in Detroit, he worked with his step-dad at R C Mahon. He was drafted into the Army in 1959 and served until 1965 as a Medical Specialist. After being discharged from the Army he returned to Michigan where he pursued his degree in nursing eventually graduating from Wayne State University with his BSN. He worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years in Psychiatric Nursing. While he was in nursing school he met his wife Naomi at Ypsilanti Regional Psychiatric Hospital (YRPH). He built a home for his family and settled in Pittsfield Township, Michigan.
In his later years he remained active, travelling to see family, church attendance, watching NFL, NBA and boxing events. He also enjoyed watching old black and white films with his children. He also had a love of music especially Jazz, R & B and Gospel.
Ben was a big brother to more than 30 children who passed through his parents foster care home in Detroit, a few continued to reach out to him and his family.
A Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 20, 2019 at Radiant Church, 410 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, with Pastor Jeremy Brown officiating, you may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until time of service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries or the American Heart Association.