Bessie Lee Wright

Deaconess Bessie Lee “Madea” Raybon Wright was born to the late Karey D. Raybon and late Frankie Lee Swaggott Raybon in Dougherty County, Georgia, on a day of celebration, June 19, 1930. Madea was the 5th of 6 siblings. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Frank Raybon and Deacon Karey D. Raybon II; and two sisters: Beatrice Raybon Thrower and Rosa Raybon Robinson. On July 11, 2022, Madea slipped quietly into eternal sleep.

Madea met and married her soul mate, the late Deacon Eddie Wright, Sr. Through this 70-year union, seven children were born. Three children preceded them in death; Essie Lyons, Aaron Wright, and Reverend Eddie Wright, Jr. Oh, what a time! Oh, what a time! When they all reunite…Oh, what a time!

Madea graduated from Madison High School and matriculated through Albany State College majoring in Nutrition. She valued a good education and pushed her children to continue to pursue their dreams…she was an Encourager!

Her most devoted service was to God. During her early years, she joined New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Her missionary work reached beyond the church walls, and she had a heart for the “least of them”. She lived by “What you do unto the least of them…” she was a Missionary!

She served for over 30 years as a Nutritionist for the Dougherty County School System. Her lunchroom was open to all; system employees traveled from near and far because she served with love… she was a Light!

Missionary Bessie Lee “Madea” Raybon Wright leaves her kind-hearted spirit to be cherished by her children, Doris (John) McDay, Theotis (Betty) Wright, Annie (Robert) Clay, Laura (George) Miller, and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Clinton Wright, all of Albany, GA. She leaves one sister, who was very dear to her, Carey Raybon Dent of Albany, GA; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Robinson of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Ethel Wright of Albany, GA. Her legacy is passed down to four generations, 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grands, and 11 great-great-grands; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; a devoted nephew, Melvin Brown; a very special niece, Teresa Anthony; a God-daughter, Janice Chester; and a God son Dr. Tabiyes Williams…she was an Anchor!

Madea found joy in lifting others. Her happiness illuminated whenever she could lend a helping hand. She fed the neighborhood. She comforted the broken-hearted. She lifted the poor in spirit. Madea inspired us all…she was a Rose!

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