Glenda Sue Wright

Glenda Sue Wright, born June 6, 1941, in Fairview, Oklahoma, to Ernest and Vione Kuhnemund, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Jack Douglas and June Katherine Breedlove. Glenda's life was a tapestry woven with family, education, and community spirit. Glenda spent her formative years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she attended Edison High School. She pursued her passion for teaching and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1963, proudly becoming a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. During her college years, Glenda met her future husband, John Middleton Turner, and they were married on June 1,1963. While John served in the Vietnam War, Glenda dedicated herself to teaching elementary school at the Marine Corps base in San Clemente, California. Upon John's return, they settled in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, where Glenda continued her teaching career, guiding young minds even while expecting their first child, Jennifer Lynne Murray, born in 1967. In 1969, the family moved to Vinita, Oklahoma, where John took ownership of The Vinita Daily Journal, serving as editor and publisher, while Glenda managed payroll. It was in Vinita that Glenda became a beloved local figure through her weekly column, "Olio," which showcased her sharp wit and humor, reminiscent of Erma Bombeck. Her articles provided a comedic glimpse into the daily lives of the Turner family, resonating with readers and fostering a sense of community. The family became members of the Vinita Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, where Glenda volunteered in many capacities. In August of that year, Glenda and John welcomed a son, Daniel Frederick Turner. After a divorce in 1981, Glenda resumed her career as an educator. While her children were in junior high, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Vinita Public Schools District and took courses to renew her teaching certificate at NSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, completing her recertification and earning 24 hours of graduate credits. She taught first grade at Southeast Elementary School and fifth grade at Will Rogers Elementary School, utilizing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all her students. Glenda served as the Easter Bunny at the Vinita Country Club for many years and still in costume, made her way around the local parks spreading joy amongst the children playing. Glenda was a member of the Oklahoma Chapter of P.E.O., an organization where women celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. In January 1985, Glenda married Clarence James Wright III, and they enjoyed 39 wonderful years together. The couple lived in Vinita until Glenda accepted a third-grade teaching position in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. They bought a home there, happily closer to their daughter Jennifer and C.J.'s workplace. Glenda taught at Broken Arrow Public Schools for ten years and retired with a distinguished 30-year teaching career. She was instrumental in implementing the Gifted and Talented Program and establishing a Health and Nutrition after-school club for the Broken Arrow School District. In her retirement, Glenda served as a substitute teacher for Immanuel Christian Academy in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and devoted herself to helping her daughter, Jennifer, raise her four biological children. True to her calling as an educator, she fervently taught her grandchildren about Jesus and the world around them. Her greatest joys included hosting family dinners, enjoying soirees with her cul-de-sac friends, playing bridge with other couples, and spending countless hours at parks, zoos, and playgrounds with her grandchildren. Glenda is survived by her husband, Clarence James Wright III, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; her daughter, Jennifer Lynne Murray, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; her son, Daniel Frederick Turner, and his wife, Bridget Turner, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and her six cherished grandchildren: Jenna Glynn Murray, Jaxon James Murray, Jase John Murray, Jessa Bernice Murray, Brianna Regnier, step-grandchildren Jayden Taeoalii and Megan Herman, step-great grandchildren, Bristol and Brantley. Glenda also remained a loving figure to her former son-in-law, Jeffrey Wayne Murray, fulfilling a promise to his mother before she passed away in 1994. Glenda was "Mom," "Momma G," and "Nammy" to many of her children's friends and extended family. Whenever someone came to her with a problem, she was often quoted as saying, "The Cherries Will Be Ripe." Glenda's warmth, kindness, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tulsa. Moore's Southlawn 918.663.2233

Glenda Sue Wright

June 6, 1941 - November 10, 2024