Sister Manuel Lee Perry Wright was born on January 26, 1937, in Aucilla (Monticello), Florida. She was the third of five daughters who blessed the family of Sam Perry, Jr. and Jessie Lee Williams Perry. Affectionately known as “Man” by family and friends, she was a resident of Turkey Scratch, the rural community in Monticello, Florida where she grew up. 

Preceding Sister Manuel Lee in death were both parents: Sam Jr. and Jessie Lee Perry; husband: James Wright; beloved son: Jerome Lee Wright; sisters: Josephine Perry, Nadine Perry, and Genieve Rashad.

Sister Wright’s parents raised their daughters to honor God, express their gratitude to Him, and to obey His commandments. Manuel confessed her belief that Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead. She was baptized and became a member of Salem African Methodist Episcopal Church where she enjoyed the fellowship and the total worship experience, especially the singing. 

Educated in the Jefferson County Public School system, Sister Manuel Lee was a graduate in the Class of 1955 at Howard Academy High School. She continued her education at Gibbs Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she earned her A.A. degree. Afterwards, she enrolled at Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) to major in Business Education, but circumstances prevented her from accomplishing that goal.

Instead, she chose marriage and motherhood and continued to live in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she worked hard to provide for her family. She was genuinely concerned about her sons’ education and tought them to read before they entered school. Manuel Lee resided in the area until her sons graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. At that point, she returned to the family farm in Turkey Scratch to take care of her elderly parents. 
  
For those who knew her recognized that Sister Manuel Lee created more beauty in the world through her love for people. She enjoyed making forever friends and new acquaintances. Her three-year employment in the Swisher Library at Bethune-Cookman College gave her opportunities to spread her motherly love to students on campus as well as befriend other coworkers. After she relocated to the family farm from Daytona Beach, she did clerical work for ten years in the office of Jefferson Correctional Institution. However, before she eased into her formal retirement, she was employed at the Wal-Mart Super Center as a customer greeter. 

The golden years for Sister Manuel Lee gave her time and opportunities to enjoy life. She thoroughly enjoyed riding the train to vacation destinations with her sister, Celestine. She also looked forward to sightseeing on road trips and visiting family and friends. However, when she settled into her routine at home, she loved gardening, cleaning, reading, solving puzzles, as well as dining out at her favorite as well as new restaurants.

“Man” was easy to please and she appreciated the things that others did on her behalf – whether it was an outing to get a quick meal or for someone to stop by to see her, or to go to her doctor’s appointments. Most of all, she enjoyed the fellowship of being with others. 

Sister Manuel Lee Perry Wright had blessed peace with her Lord so near. She fought the good fight of faith, but on Thursday, January 4, 2024, she quietly transitioned from her labor to rest eternally with the Lord. 

Another leaf has fallen from the Wright-Perry family tree. Someone so special can never be forgotten because her legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones. Remembering her life are her son: Alvin J. (Vivian) Wright of Monticello, FL; her beloved sister: Celestine Perry Thomas of Monticello; grandsons: Jamal Wright and Alijah Wright, both of Monticello, FL; special nephews and nieces; daughter-in-love: Katrina A. Aikens of Madison, FL; forever best friend: Viola Sampson of Daytona Beach, FL; along with many other sorrowing relatives, and loving friends.