Joan Lee Wright (nee Shaw) born on August 10, 1928, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to Lovie and Joseph Shaw, passed away peacefully at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 16, 2024. Joans early years were marked by resilience as she and her mother courageously escaped the harsh realities of enslavement, traveling by night to avoid detection. After her father’s passing, her mother married Thomas Judkins, Sr., a coal miner, and the family relocated to Bellaire, Ohio, where Joan, the eldest of four children, was raised.
Upon graduating high school, Joan began working as a nurses aide. Evan Wright, Sr., who migrated from Jamaica, West Indies, was inspired to visit Ohio through the enthusiastic words of her Aunt Mary, where he met Joan. After a brief courtship, they married on September 10, 1949, and had 11 children.
Shortly after marrying Evan, the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With her husband being a devout Catholic, Joan was received and initiated into the Catholic faith at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church on December 22, 1959. The family later moved their membership to St. Francis of Assisi Parish before finally joining St. Martin de Porres (formerly St. Elizabeth) Parish in 1963. She remained a devoted member of St. Martin de Porres until her passing. A committed member of her faith community, Joan led the Cadet Girl Scouts and taught religious education at St. Elizabeth’s parish.
Joan was a hardworking and dedicated woman. She worked outside her home as a housekeeper for the Hyatt Regency and Northwest General Hospital. She was a skilled cook, an avid reader, and a stylish dresser. Joan enjoyed playing dominos, dancing, and watching soap operas. She traveled extensively, primarily via cruises, and took great pride in maintaining an immaculate home.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Evan Wright, Sr.; her parents, Lovie and Thomas Judkins; her sisters, Dorothy Johnson and Elsie Brown; and her brother, Thomas Judkins, Jr.
Joan leaves to cherish her memory her 11 children: Charles (Vanessa) Shaw, Lovie Johnson, Brenda Alston, Evan Wright, Jr., Cynthia Barnett, Derrick Wright, Ronald (Judy) Wright, Lloyd (Cheryl) Wright, David Wright, Easton (Bridget) Wright, and John Wright. Her legacy is carried on by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Joan Lee Wright’s life was a testament to strength, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who know her. Indeed, all of her children rise up and call her blessed.
Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 128 West Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place at 12:00 PM. Burial to follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joan Lee Wright, please visit our Tribute Store.