Pattie Wright

Pattie McArthur Wright, a woman of extraordinary strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family, peacefully departed this life on September 13, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital. She passed surrounded by love and in the embrace of her daughter and granddaughter.

Born on April 27, 1942, in Person County, North Carolina, Pattie was the beloved daughter of Robert McArthur and Vertie Williams McArthur. She spent her early childhood in North Carolina before her family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she graduated from Frederick Douglass High School.

Pattie's journey eventually brought her to Bedford, Virginia, where she devoted herself to raising her family. Later in life she moved to Austin, Texas, where she proudly worked at Dell building computers. After her years in Texas, Pattie returned to Virginia to enjoy her retirement.

To her family and friends, Pattie was a trusted confidant, a wise advisor, and the person so many could turn to when they needed encouragement, companionship, or simply someone who would listen. She gave her time very generously to others.

On most days she enjoyed long phone conversations, playing cards, and had a green thumb. She also enjoyed a bowl of butter pecan ice cream and if you knew Pattie, you knew she was left-handed and proud of it.

She treasured her large family spanning VA, TX, NY, and NC. She encouraged everyone to “keep moving forward, enjoy your life, not to take life so seriously, and stay positive”, reminding us that “life is a learning experience.” Her wisdom and optimism will remain a lasting and healing part of her legacy.

Pattie faced one of life's greatest challenges with the same courage, grace, and positive attitude that defined her entire life. She fought triple-negative breast cancer for the last two years, far surpassing the prognosis she was given.

Pattie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert McArthur and Vertie Williams McArthur; sister Gladys Paylor and twin sister Hattie Paylor; bonus son, Anthony Wright; grandson, Eric Gooding; and nephews Curtis Paylor and Coydell Paylor.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her children: Anita Brown; Lameche Wright (Jackie); Troy Wright (Deneisha); and Diana Gooding (Anthony); a bonus daughter Darlene Patterson; her grandchildren: Montcello Bryant, Charles Brown, Chante Haywood (James Jr), Cierra Haywood (Jaraune), Danielle Guebara (Joshua), Alex Lomas (Whitney), Selena Wright, Tierra Wright, Annalisha Wright, Troy Wright, II, David Wright, Aaron Wright, Daniel Wright, and Tinesha Gooding; her bonus grandchildren Tamika Wright, Anthony Wright, Jr, and Shona Wright; her nieces: Gladysteen Parks, Darlene Paylor, YvonnePaylor Smith (Stan), her nephews: Leroy Paylor, Major Paylor, Robert Paylor, Kim Paylor, and Todd Paylor (Omica) along with her many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends who are blessed to know and love her. Special friends Marjorie Rucker, Marvin Tune, and caring neighbor Wendy Edwards will also cherish her memory.

Even in her final hours, Pattie was thinking of the people she loved. She specifically requested that all of her family and friends be told: “I love each and every one of you.”

A visitation will be held on Sunday September 20, 2026, from 4-6 P.M. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A funeral service will be held on Monday September 21 beginning at 12 P.M. in the Chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.