Marie Wright

Marie Wright, age 92, of Bonnerdale, died Saturday, February 18, 2012. She was born on October 6, 1919, at Clark County, the daughter of Jesse Jefferson Runyan and Rosa Lambert Runyan. On August 20, 1938, she was married to Verbie V. Wright, who preceded her in death on November 8, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Herbert Runyan and Andrew Runyan; and two sisters, Lucille Runyan and Lavern Lambert. She was a member of the Shiloh Church of Christ and a former school teacher for Lake Hamilton, Caddo Gap, Glenwood and Grandview school districts. She was a WWII bride; a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a state office holder; and a member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. She attended Henderson State University and the University of Arkansas, receiving a Bachelor and Masters degree. Marie wrote and published two books, "Tracking Barefoot Runyan" and "Up the Runyan Tree", which are both listed in The Mormon Library and the Library of Congress. She traveled thousands of miles researching for these books and received recognition awards from the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Genealogy Association of America, Who's Who in American Women and Personalities of the South. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Jim Gillespie of Danville and Roberta and David Weiner of Bonnerdale; three grandchildren and their spouses, Dixie and Scott Smith, Anna Jill Gillespie and James Bradley and Jennifer Turner; two great-grandchildren, Jarrett Turner and Jessica Turner; one brother, Edison Runyan of Traskwood; two sisters, Corene Kibbey and Nova Lee Vincel, both of Amity; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, January 22, 2012, in the Shiloh Church of Christ with Bro. Rick Collie and Cloys Runyan officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Mount Tabor Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Pallbearers will be Bill Kibbey, Robert Runyan, Wayne Collie, Buddy Lambert, Gary Runyan and Jeff Gillespie. Honorary pallbearers will be Milton Runyan and Jared Kibbey. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.