Mrs. Evelyn M. Wright, 97, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care Center in Lincoln, Illinois.
She was born on December 17, 1927, in Galesburg, the daughter of W. H. and Ethel (Johnson) Lavely. Evelyn married Harold C. Wright on October 15, 1949, in Galesburg. They shared 55 years of marriage before his passing on November 5, 2004.
Evelyn is survived by two sons, Bill (and Kathy) Wright of Montgomery, Illinois, and Jonathan (and Melanie) Wright of Emden, Illinois; a daughter, Kathryn (Dennis) Judy of New Palestine, Indiana; a sister, Darlene Bowman of Chattanooga, Tennessee; a brother-in-law, Loren Hunnicutt of Washington, Illinois; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Nancy Hunnicutt.
A proud alumna of Galesburg High School, Evelyn graduated in 1945. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana Central College in 1949 and her master’s degree from Ball State University in 1962. Evelyn devoted ten years to teaching high school students in Indiana and Illinois and later operated her own reading and tutoring business for 38 years, helping countless young people develop confidence and competence in literacy. She also served the American Red Cross for five years as a donor consultant in Galesburg.
She volunteered with Knox County CASA in Galesburg and was an active member of the Lucretia Leffingwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she held several offices, including state chairperson.
Evelyn was a woman of deep faith in her Lord. Her faith and commitment to the Lord served as a beacon to her family pointing her children and grandchildren to the only answer to all of life’s peaks and valleys – the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Evelyn was also a faithful wife, and her life was muted after her dear husband, Harold, went to be with the Lord. Evelyn was a devoted mother. She poured her life into her children, and they rise up and call her blessed.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the chapel, officiated by her son-in-law, Pastor Dennis Judy. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Knox County CASA. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
