Clayton, OH - Mrs. Zelma Lee Wright, 104, of Clayton, OH formerly of Beckley, WV passed Saturday, June 4, 2026 with family by her side.

Zelma was born on September 17, 1921, in Landgraff, WV. She lived in Beckley, WV until moving to Dayton, OH, in 2020, due to her health, where her daughter and son-in-law, Hugo & Sharon Diggs took care of her.

Zelma was married to William Henry Wright on June 28, 1938.To this union, three children, Sharon C. Diggs (Hugo), Nina 'Jane' Cates, Ph.D. (Charles), and Dorothy L. Wright Jordon (Harrison) were born.

Zelma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, William Henry Wright; daughter, Nina "Jane" Wright Gates; mother and stepfather, Nina Thompson Smith and Joseph "Joe" Smith; birth father, who passed when she was young, Cornelius Thompson, and sisters, Faustina Tench, Bertha Hickman, Mildred Bailey, Barbara Jo Spencer, Benice Calloway, Stephanie Conners, and brother, C.V. Thompson,

Zelma, a 1938 graduate of Stratton High School, Beckley and its last surviving class alumnus, dedicated her life to nursing, education, faith, and community service. Beginning her career as an LPN, she later earned her registered nursing degree and advanced credentials as a nurse practitioner through studies at Case Western Reserve University, Wright State University, and West Virginia University. After 25 years of service at the Beckley Veterans Medical Center, she retired and continued her lifelong commitment to helping others through numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations.

Zelma, a faithful member of First Baptist Church of North Beckley since 1938, Zelma served in many leadership and ministry roles. She was also active with organizations including AARP, the American Cancer Society, the NAACP, the Red Cross, nursing associations, and local community groups. Recognized for her outstanding service and leadership, she was a member of the West Virginia Voter Hall of Fame, having voted in every election since age 21. Her life leaves a lasting legacy of service, dedication, and civic responsibility.

Zelma was survived by one brother, Kent Smith, two daughters, Dorothy L. Wright Jordon (Harrison Jordon), and Sharon C. Wright Diggs (Hugo Diggs); three beloved sons-in-law: Hugo Diggs, Charles Gates and Harrison Jordon; five grandchildren, David Diggs, Charles "Chuck" Gates, Jr., Michelle Jordon, Renee Jordon Jones, and Stephanie Gates; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.