Virginia Estelle "Tootsie" Wright

          Mrs. Virginia Estelle “Tootsie” Pilson Wright, age 98 of Stuart, passed away Monday, January 14, 2019 at the Landmark Center in Stuart.  She was born in Patrick County on June 21, 1920 to the late William Royal Pilson and Jeanette Alice “Nettie” Pendleton Pilson.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Arnold Wright; a granddaughter, Stephanie Wright; a son-in-law, Jesse Williams; two brothers, Oscar Pilson and Clyde Pilson; and four sisters, Mae Pilson Baliles, Rosa Pilson Belcher, Minnie Pilson Belcher and Eula Adeleen Pilson.  She was a charter member of the Buffalo Ridge Pentecostal Holiness Church, and had a great love for her God, church and family.  She was very dedicated to her church and had helped to prepare sacrament for approximately 50 years.  She was an excellent cook who enjoyed quilting and needlework.  She had been a bookkeeper for her husband’s lumber business, and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

          Mrs. Wright is survived by her children, Betty Wright Baliles and husband, Posey of Woolwine, Gerald M. Wright of Meadows of Dan, Judy Wright Williams of Stuart, Janet Wright Clodfelter and husband, Bruce of High Point, North Carolina, Linda Wright Byers and husband, David of Galax, Gary Stephen Wright and wife, Cindy of Bassett; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Ramona Baliles, Wanda Wright, Gary M. Wright, Christopher Wright, Mark Williams, Andrew Williams, Michael Cashion, Karen Cashion, Philip Byers, Jonathan Byers and James Lacey Thompson; 20 great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter and 1 step great-great-granddaughter; a sister-in-law, Thelma Wright Anglin of Martinsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

          Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Buffalo Ridge Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Kenneth Terry and Pastor Jim Churchwell officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  There will be a meal and time of visitation following the burial in the church fellowship hall.  If desired, memorials may be made to the Buffalo Ridge Pentecostal Holiness Church, 4698 Woolwine Hwy., Stuart, Virginia 24171, Mountain Valley Hospice, 18981 Jeb Stuart Hwy., Stuart, Virginia 24171, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Moody Funeral Home in Stuart is in charge of the arrangements, and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.