Jan Wright

Jan Wright, 81, died at her Little Rock home surrounded by her children, Saturday evening, July 1, 2017. Her memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8th at Little Rock’s Immanuel Baptist Church. Join us.

Margaret Janet Ritchie was born September 28, 1935 into the Hampton, Arkansas home of Harvey Lee Ritchie and Lois Ashbrook Ritchie. The oldest of four children, she is survived by two imaginative and humorous sisters, Marilyn Buzbee of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Nancy Rodgers of Sherwood, Arkansas. Her brother, Harvey Dwayne Ritchie, of San Bernardino, California, preceded her in passing.

Jan is also preceded by her loving husband, Dr. Doyle B. Wright, dedicated dentist from Little Rock; and survived by three children: Dr. James Doyle Wright and his wife Laura F. Wright of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Glen Conrad Wright and his wife Ann Schwetje Wright of Madison, New Jersey; and Dana Wright Jepsen and her husband Stephen Jepsen of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Jan is also survived by eight spirited grandchildren. Her loving companion and compass, Randy Springer of Little Rock, completes those survived.

Jan was a perceptive observer, one that found beauty and elegance when others chose not to pause and revel in the light, dim or otherwise. She was a mother and grandmother engaged with and delighting in the personalities unique to each of her children and grandchildren. Jan watched, doted, praised and encouraged without patronizing script. She was amazed with the lives that came from her and chose always share her joy. Jan radiated kindness and love to family and a diverse congregation of friends, even strangers. Her children continue to be guided by her love, her grandchildren, too. Whether it was Jim’s children: Virginia (24), Olivia (19), and Bryan (9); or Glen’s Halle (14) and Griffin (11); or Dana’s twins Anna and Liam (17), and Joseph (15), each came to know that their young lives so captivated this woman.

To many in the community, Jan is best known through her work as Extended Care Coordinator for the Visiting Nurses Association. In 1983, she was asked to create a volunteer program to meet non-nursing needs of VNA patients. What initially began as a part-time commitment grew into a rewarding career lasting almost 25 years. During this time, her dogged determination and can-do enthusiasm matched compassionate volunteers with VNA patients with needs ranging from basic food delivery to wheelchair access ramps.

Jan’s many interests led her to take an active role from the very beginning in Youth Home, Inc. as a Friendship Sponsor, fundraiser and Board of Directors member for six years. Jan was also a charter parent of the Arkansas Montessori Society, past president of the Arkansas State Dental Auxiliary, board member for both the Arkansas Rice Depot and Our House. She cultivated a great interest in religious thought and philosophy through leadership in the Ecumenical Lecture Series sponsored by Christ the King Catholic Church. She served as chairperson of the lecture series in 1979 and 1983 and relished in its ability to bring to our state voices such as Elie Wiesel, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and Harold Kushner among others. Of late, Jan drew great energy as a volunteer at the Clinton Presidential Center since 2008, and enthusiastically jumped headfirst into her third season as a Brady Elementary School mentor.

A voracious reader, Jan found great pleasure in a 45-year love affair with a diverse and spirited book club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to two Little Rock organizations dearest to Jan: Youth Home, Inc. and Our House.

Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation.

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