Rozenia Wright

Rozenia Elizabeth Donnell Wright was born July 30, 1923 to the late Lorenzo Donnell and Lizzie Shoffner Donnell. She departed this life on March 17, 2025, at the golden age of 101, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to live out her beloved affirmation, “I have more to be thankful for than I have to complain about.”

She graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1941, continued her studies at Bennett College, and later married her true love, John Wright, Sr. Their love story lasted 61 years before his passing and produced three devoted children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Thoughtful and gentle-spoken Rozenia was unmatched in her card sending. Those she cared about could expect a greeting card for any reason, every occasion, or simply because, sealed with her signature closing, “God loves you, and so do I.” She was a woman of faith and kindness who enjoyed word search puzzles, a good baseball game, and Steve Harvey’s Family Feud. A faithful member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church she served as past president of the Maggie Brooks Hospitality Club; past secretary of the W. D. Johnson Scholarship Committee, and in 2002 was honored as the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Mother of the Year. Her passion for ensuring that children in Southeast Greensboro could benefit from programs and services provided by the YMCA was unwavering. She was a loyal YMCA sponsor and dedicated fundraiser and in 1999 was honored as Hayes Taylor YMCA Lady of the Year. In further recognition of her contributions and support of Greensboro youth, she was privileged to receive the Geneva Tisdale Great Mothers in the Community Award in 2019.

Known for her elegant style and fashionable hats and gloves, Rozenia has the distinction of being one of the first African American women to be employed by Montaldo’s. She began her career as a maid but her enthusiasm for fashion and keen eye for couture soon earned her management positions in the lingerie and bridal departments. Later, Rozenia’s understanding of high-end apparel and consumer preferences would gain her the position of Buyer, traveling extensively to develop the store’s product line and guide the selection of store merchandise. She retired as a well-respected and highly esteemed advisor for the Montaldo’s corporation.

She leaves to cherish her memory three sons and daughters-in-law, Frederick (Shirlene) Wright, Charlotte, NC, John (Sondra) Wesley Wright, Jr., Stokesdale, NC, and Marcus (Vanessa) Dwayne Wright, Sr., Greensboro, NC; a granddaughter, Morgan (Hodges) Elizabeth Wright Pone; three grandsons, Marcus Wright, Jr., Darrin (Courtney) Wright, and John Wesley Wright, lll; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Amari, Hodges IV, and Wesley; two sisters, Peggy D. Talton and Jo Anne Simpson; in-laws, Georgia Wright, Magnolia Virginia Wright Bynum, Robert A. Wright, Sammy and Dr. Rosa Wright Jones, and Dr. Chuck and Sandra Wright Wallington; nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Donnell, and a sister, Louise Blackwell. Visitation will be held Saturday March 22, 2025 from 11:30-12 and a Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Greensboro NC.