Betty Johnson Wright

Betty Jean Johnson Wright entered the more immediate presence of her Lord and Savior on January 17, 2026. She was born in Surry County, NC on March 26, 1931, the youngest of five children to the late Richard David Johnson and Etta Wall Johnson. Betty cherished childhood memories in the fields and forests on their family farm. These experiences inspired her adult life. Betty married Hylton Wright in 1950. For over sixty-two years they were devoted to each other. They were lifelong members of Haymore Memorial Baptist Church. Betty and Hylton participated with the Surry Baptist Association on several domestic mission trips and to the Republic of South Africa.

Betty was a member of the Woman’s Missionary Union and faithfully served on numerous church committees. With a keen appreciation for education, Betty and Hylton were benefactors to various educational institutions, establishing academic scholarships at Campbell University Divinity School, McCallie School, Peace College, Surry Community College and Wake Forest School of Divinity. Betty’s sense of civic responsibility was unwavering. She found joy in volunteerism, creating an enduring legacy of making life better for the people of Mount Airy. A passionate philanthropist, Betty unselfishly gave her time and resources to numerous organizations. Her vision and generosity helped to fulfill many community dreams. Betty’s passion for preservation led into years of service on the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Board and the Mount Airy Restoration Foundation Board. Her work was recognized with several awards and honors including the Preservation NC 2017 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit, the 2023 City of Mount Airy AGORA Award and she received the Key to the City of Mount Airy during the same year. Equally special to Betty was her long association with the NC Order of the Eastern Star. Betty was a member of Mount Airy Chapter #18 for seventy-five years. For over seven decades she enthusiastically accepted appointments from Grand Chapter. Betty and Hylton cherished the long-standing friendships they made on their countless OES travels. As an interior decorator, Betty retired from Sherwin-Williams Company. Her career complemented her hobby as an avid antique collector. She enjoyed primitive antiques for their connection to both the people and stories of the past. A lover of nature, Betty was happiest in her flower and vegetable gardens. She had the soul of a gardener. Nothing fully occupied her mind and filled her spirit like planting a new specimen or simply absorbing the beauty of a single bloom. Betty was an active member of Mountain View Gardeners Garden Club for over sixty-five years. Additionally, she was a State Life Member of the Garden Club of NC.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hylton Wright. Also, she was predeceased by her brothers; Otis Johnson (Lillian), Robert Johnson, sisters; Viola Alberty (Warren), Lillian Sprinkle (Woodrow), and foster sister; Ethleen Bowman (Willis). Betty is survived by her adoring daughter, Tamra Wright Thomas and loving son-in-law, Ronald Thomas of Winston-Salem; special nephew, Fredrick Johnson (Gale) of King other dear nephews and nieces and sister-in-law, Evelyn Wright (Rayburn)of Mount Airy. Betty was the matriarch of both the Johnson and Wright families. She was a mother figure to many who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Monday evening, January 19, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Haymore Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Minix and Rev. Robert McCrary officiating. Interment to follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Immediately thereafter will be a visitation/reception at Cross Creek Country Club.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be given to: Haymore Memorial Baptist Church (PO Box 27, Mt, Airy, NC 27030); Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (301 N. Main St. Mt. Airy, NC 27030); Mount Airy Restoration Foundation (PO Box 447, Mt. Airy, NC 27030); Surry Arts Council (PO Box 141, Mt. Airy, NC 27030) or Surry Community College Foundation (630 S. Main St. Dobson, NC 27017).

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.