Lebertis Wright

Lebertis Wright was born Lebertis Knight was on March 14, 1919, in Soso, Ms. She was the oldest child of the union of Clarence Knight and Annie McDonald Knight. Lebertis attended public schools in Soso and accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age.

As a young woman Lebertis and three of her sisters migrated to Detroit, MI in search of employment. In Detroit she met Walter V. Manees and they were married in 1946. Mr. Manees preceded her in death in 1953.

Lebertis then met and married John H Wright in 1959. They joined Twelfth Street Baptist Church in 1960 and became very active members. Lebertis was for many years Sunday School Superintendent and a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Inspirational Choir, a Deaconess and Chairman of the Deaconess Board, a Vacation Bible School Director, and a Christian Board of Education teacher. Mr. Wright preceded her in death in 1996.

Lebertis was known to family, friends and neighbors as “Momo,” and was widely known and respected for her wisdom, kindness and compassion. She was also known throughout the entire community for the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens she faithfully maintained every year as long as her health allowed.

Lebertis departed this world quietly and peacefully on September 2, 2011. She was 92 years old.

Lebertis leaves to mourn three children: Roland Knight (Ina Jane), Raynetta Manees (Douglas Yeager), and Starr Lebertis Martin (Terry). Also seven grandchildren: Janet Knight, Eric David Knight Sr.(Jacqueline), Rolanda Knight (Edmund Haliburton), Marlowe Wright (Kenneth Rogers), Tiffani Young (Jeffery, Sr.), Darryl Knight, and Sarnia Mitchell (Delvon). In addition she had twelve great-grandchildren: Lawanda Smith (Jarnard, Sr.), Derron Knight, Eric David Knight, Jr., Taran Knight, Brianna Wright, Zayna Hurd, Kierra Wright, Czaria Wright, John H. Wright II, Devon Wright, and Jeffery Young, Jr. Great grandchild Jasmine Knight preceded her in death. Lebertis also leaves to mourn great-great grandchildren Jaila Smith and Jarnard Smith, Jr.

Lebertis is survived by sisters Hilma Jones (Abe) and Vertie Virginia Graves, and by brothers Clarence Delvin Knight (Irma Jean), Donald Knight (Ida B.), and Donice Milton Knight. Sisters Gladys Moore, Helen Thomas, and Vera Terry preceded her in death.

Lebertis also leaves to mourn her faithful caregiver, Marie Hartfield, who lovingly cared for her for many years, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lebertis’ faith in God was the foundation of her life. She was a shining role model of a Christian woman. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies,” Proverbs 31:10.