Johnnie Mae Swans Wright, 92 of Orlando, departed this life on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Johnnie Mae was born on September 27, 1930, to John H. Swans Sr. & Julia Mae Swans (Wilkins) in Canoochee, GA located in Emanuel County, GA. She was raised in Twin City, GA where she received formal education. She grew up in a home with many siblings where fun times and lots of laughs were shared. She would often share stories with her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews about her childhood antics which kept everyone amused and always made her feel very much alive.
In 1955, Johnnie Mae relocated her life to Jacksonville, FL, but shortly after she made the decision to move to Dania Beach, FL to be near her two older sisters, Corrine & Lorene. For many years she worked as a housekeeper before marrying Wallace Wright Sr. She became a housewife & full-time homemaker and relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Johnnie Mae mothered eight children: Carolyn Kelly, Audrea Kelly, Clarence Kelly, Rita Wright (Willis), Wallace Wright Jr., Gilbert Wright, Terrance Wright and Mia Wright. In addition, she was a strong mother figure to her eldest grandchildren, Karen Lawton & Josette (Trice) Wright, as well as assisted in the child-rearing of her grandchildren, Johnathan Thomas & Anthony Hall.
In 1970, the family relocated to Orange County, FL after her husband, Wallace Wright Sr., received a new position with his job. At that time, the family settled in Orlando, FL.
In 1994, she became a widow, she was loved and supported by her children, grandchildren and other family. In her young adulthood, she gave her life to Christ. She dedicated her time worshipping the lord and serving her church until she was no longer physically able. Johnnie Mae enjoyed shopping, manicures, pedicures, as well as eating poundcakes and fruitcakes that her nieces from GA would make for her.
Johnnie Mae lived a long and fulfilling life. Encountering her was always uplifting and joyous. She is survived by Daughter: Rita Willis (Bernard), Sons: Wallace Wright Jr. & Terrance Swans Wright, Grandchildren: Karen Lawton (Yolanda), Josette Wright, Treza Green, Kimberly Kelly, Ashely Wright, Marcy Butler, Anthony “Tony” Hall, Erin Dixon, Jonathan Thomas (Bonita), Justin Padmore, Courtney Wright and Tammy Simmons. She has a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, great-nephews, & cousins who will all truly miss her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church.
A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Tabernacle of the Enlightened Church of God, 1097 Broome Avenue, Orlando with Elder Ranita Brown, officiating.
An Interment will be at the Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando.