Afrey Ann Wright

Afrey Ann Sanford Wright, affectionately known as Afrey to her friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on February 25, 1936, in Goodsprings, Alabama (Walker County), Afrey’s warmth and kindness touched all who knew her throughout her 89 years of a well-lived life.

Afrey was a woman of considerable intellect and compassion. After attending Thomas W. Martin High School, her love for learning led her to the University of Alabama, where she graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. Afrey's passion for education was evident as she embarked on her teaching career, first at Ensley High School in Birmingham, where she taught English, and then moving to Dothan in 1961, where she taught English and Spanish at Girard Jr. High School for two years.

She lived a life of service and commitment to her family and community. Afrey was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Henry Wesley Wright, her daughters, Denise Wright, of Staunton, VA, Nona Stockton (Gilles), of Billings and Grassrange, MT, and Suzanne Wright Sisk (Tommy), of Ardmore, TN. Her grandchildren, Jonathan Austin, Matthew Austin, Daniel Sanchez, Jacob Sanchez, Scott Sisk, and Bailey Sisk, will miss her gentle guidance and endless support. She is also survived by her sister, Clarice Fuller, and several nieces and nephews, who will fondly remember her loving presence. The family would like to thank Melissa Watson and Joykeepers, Gentiva Hospice, and her special caretakers, Joyce Warren and Sophia Langston, all who provided comfort and care during her final days, for which the family is eternally grateful.

Afrey's Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she participated in the United Methodist Women (U.M.W.) and the Kay Williams Sunday School class. Her service to the church extended to teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees including the Altar Guild and the Administrative Board. Her involvement in the community was also marked by her volunteer work with the Girls Club (Girls, Inc.), Dothan Service League, Wiregrass Humane Society, and her membership in P.E.O. Chapter W, and the Garden Study Club.

Those who knew Afrey would describe her as loving, gentle, and passionate. She had a servant's heart and found joy in helping others. Her love for her family, church, and community was evident in everything she did. Afrey's legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.

Afrey was preceded in death by her parents, Noble and Ida Sanford, a sister, Faye Douglas (Phillip), a brother, Ellis Sanford (Jimmie), a brother in law, James A. Fuller, and by her brother and sister in law, Doc and Betty Bowden. Her life was a testament to the power of love, education, and service to others. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were touched by her graciousness and unwavering positivity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in her honor to First United Methodist Church, Wiregrass Humane Society, and Wiregrass Museum of Art.