CHESAPEAKE CITY—MARCH 1, 2025— On a Saturday evening at the start of March, a large group of family and friends gathered at Schaefer’s Canal House to celebrate the 95th birthday of Viola Leona Hammond Wright, an extraordinary woman whose life exemplifies dedication and service.
A true trailblazer, Mrs. Wright began her educational journey at the rural Cedar Hill School near Pleasant Hill and graduated from George Washington Carver High in Elkton in 1949. She continued her pursuit of knowledge and professional growth by attending Morgan State University and ultimately graduated from the Beaumont Nursing School in Philadelphia in 1953.
Upon returning to Cecil County, Mrs. Wright made her mark as a healthcare professional, working for Dr. James Johnson, the first Black doctor in Elkton from 1953 to 1965. Her commitment as a caregiver extended to staff positions at Emily P. Bissell Hospital. After a remarkable forty-year career in nursing, she retired from Christiana Care Hospital in 1992.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Wright has been a steadfast and devoted member of her community and church. She worships at Trinity AUMP, where her sister-in-law, Rev. A. Elaine Hammond, serves as the pastor. Throughout her life, she actively contributed to numerous church committees and married the Rev. Paul W. Wright in 1965. They had one son, Rev. Larry Wright, who passed away in 2023.
Mrs. Wright has not only dedicated her life to caregiving and the church but also played a pivotal role in her community. Her unwavering commitment to service and the caregiver’s rich legacy of compassion were beautifully highlighted as Bishop Jonathan O. Stewart of the AUMP Church, ministers, family, and friends shared heartfelt remarks in a room filled with love and admiration.
We were honored and pleased to join the celebration and reflect on her incredible life and the profound impact she has made.
For additional photos, see this album on Facebook.
Happy birthday to Mrs. Wright! Just saw her featured in the documentary, “Blackboards and Barriers,” in the former Tome United Methodist Church…now the Community Connecting Us Cultural and Wellness Center.