Mary Catherine Wright

Mary Catherine Herring Wright, whose gentle smile and warm embrace touched so many lives, slipped away quietly on April 13, 2026. Heaven grew a little sweeter, while earth became forever a little less bright.

Mary was born in her childhood home in Gordonsville, Virginia, on May 20, 1939, to her devoted parents, Virginia M. Herring and Richard L. Herring.

Her early years were spent attending Orange County schools and playing alongside her dear cousin Barbara, whom she loved as a sister.

As a young woman, Mary caught the attention of Bobby, who was quickly smitten. After a few unsuccessful attempts to win her hand, he made one final, heartfelt plea: “Marry me now or I’ll never ask again.” This time, her answer was the one he had long hoped for—“Yes.” On December 27, 1958, Mary Catherine Herring and Robert Temple Wright exchanged their wedding vows and began their lives together as husband and wife.

Soon after, they welcomed their first child, Cheryl Lynn, followed not long after by their son, Robert Temple Jr., affectionately known as "T."

The Wrights made their home in Richmond, Virginia, for 18 years.

Following their time in Richmond, Mary and Bob settled in Crozet, Virginia, where they built a warm and welcoming community and faithfully attended Crozet Baptist Church.

In the late 1980s, Mary and Bob moved to Charlottesville to care for Bob’s widowed mother, a reflection of Mary’s lifelong servant’s heart.

After retirement, in the early 2000s, Mary and Bob moved to Orange, Virginia, to be closer to family. Mary especially cherished time spent with those she loved.

Mary had a gift for hospitality and loved hosting her family for large, country-style dinners. Her famous macaroni and cheese was a non-negotiable staple at every gathering.

Over the years, Mary was abundantly blessed with 11 grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply. She also had the great joy of knowing her 20 great-grandchildren.

Mary’s life was marked by her dedication to serving others. Whether preparing countless fresh dinner rolls in a school cafeteria, caring for children in her home, helping build the family business, Pack N’ Mail in Charlottesville, or working in Health Services at UVA, she gave of herself wholeheartedly in all she did. She also spent years tenderly caring for her mother in her later years and, eventually, for Bob as his health declined.

Mary’s legacy will live on through the many generations she touched—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends and loved ones who will never forget the love she so freely gave.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her husband, and one great-grandchild.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Phillips (husband Mark) and Robert Wright Jr. (wife Valerie); her grandchildren, Christopher Davis, Matthew Davis, Auna Sobeck, Brenna Kuepfer, Seth Wright, Rachael Heatwole, Barrett Wright, Caleb Wright, Jachin Wright, Ethan Wright, and Elizabeth Bouch; and 19 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held 11:00AM Saturday, April 18, at Unionville Christian Church, 23286 Village Road, Unionville, VA, with Rev. Roy Thomas and Rev. Alan Miller officiating. Interment will follow immediately after in the church cemetery. A light lunch will also be provided after the burial at Orange Baptist Church, 123 West Main St., Orange, VA.