Martha Lee (Maddux) Wright

Martha Lee Maddux Wright passed away peacefully at her home in Knoxville on August 14, 2024 at the age of 98, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 29, 1926 in Salem, Kentucky, the youngest child of Homer and Nellie Maddux. She was raised in Salem alongside her siblings, Jesse, Louis, and Nellie May, all of whom predeceased her. She graduated from Ward-Belmont Women's College and Murray State College. She met the love of her life, Hubert “Hubie” Wright, of nearby Hampton, Kentucky, as a young child when their families swapped a pony. She and Hubie remained in contact throughout high school, World War II and later college. They married in 1953 and lived in Paducah, Kentucky where Hubie worked, and she commuted to Salem to work with her father, brothers and sister in the family bank and insurance company. Her son David and daughter Marty were born in Paducah. In 1962, they left their beloved Kentucky and moved their young family to Knoxville, Tennessee to accommodate Hubie’s job opportunities. They built one of the first houses in the West Hills area of Knoxville, where she continued to live for the next 62 years.
After Hubie’s death in 1979, she began substitute teaching at West Hills Elementary School, which both her children had attended. She was subsequently asked to become the school secretary, a position she accepted with some trepidation, but which proved to be one of the best decisions of her life, serving there for 16 years. She cherished her many friendships with the teachers and staff, students and their families. As one young student aptly put it—“she owns the school.” She was a near charter member of West Hills Baptist Church and was a loyal congregant for 62 years until her death, serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and longtime choir member. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, the West Hills Ten O’Clock Garden Club, Ossoli Circle and numerous bridge clubs.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend to many. As matriarch Gigi, her family was her life and her greatest joy. A daughter, two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter are named for her. She is survived by her children, David Wright of Richmond, Virginia, Marty (Craig) Troutman of Knoxville, grandchildren Martha (Charles) Wilson of Atlanta, Laura Wright of New York, Virginia Wright of Richmond, Carlton Troutman of Knoxville, Andrew Troutman of Atlanta and Martha Shea Troutman of Nashville, and great-granddaughters Virginia (Ginny) Wilson and Martha Elizabeth (Lily) Wilson. She is also survived by three nephews, a niece and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank her many, many friends who loved and cared for her through the years. Special thanks to her newest “best friend” Deborah Simpson who provided amazing care, love and friendship the past two years, and to the UT Hospice staff.
The family will receive friends at Rose-Mann Funeral Home in Bearden from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 21, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at West Hills Baptist Church at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024. She will be buried beside her beloved Hubie in Salem Cemetery, Salem, Kentucky at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Memorials may be made to West Hills Baptist Church, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

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