Elvin Sylvester Wright, Sr.

Elvin Sylvester Wright Sr. (93y/o) has transitioned from a blessed and loving earthly life, and answered the call of his Heavenly Father, to come home on Monday, February 17th, 2025. He was a native of Nansemond County, Virginia. He was born on December 25, 1931 to the late Elder Floyd R. Wright and Ruth Jones Wright. He was raised in a home that honored and glorified God. He accepted Christ early in his life. Elvin became a member of the Apostolic Faith Holiness Church in Suffolk, VA where his father was the pastor.

 Elvin was educated in the Suffolk Public School system. He was employed at the Butter Dish and Planters before being employed by the Suffolk News Herald as the District Carrier of the Black Community. While employed there, he recruited twenty one carriers to carry newspapers throughout our community. That number increased to forty carriers, as Elvin’s customer base grew. Elvin taught his carriers a strong work ethic, and the value of saving money from ten cents to one dollar a week; to help instill that saving would help their families with school clothes, Christmas and other holidays, or whatever they wanted or needed. As time passed, the Suffolk News Herald changed their direction and many of Elvin’s carriers, now grown, helped him to secure a position at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a Fire Watchman. Elvin later went on to work for Suffolk Public Schools for a time. He left there and went on to work for Mt. Zion Elementary School, where he retired.

 Elvin was a proud member of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA. He was proud to be baptized at his late age by the late Dr. C.J Word. He was a faithful servant in the Usher ministry, Senior Choir member, the Audio Visual Ministry. Elvin enjoyed baking, and loved baking for the late Dr. C.J Word. He even won several baking contests, where he received his Aprons. He loved gardening, and made sure to maintain a beautiful yard. His life justified his love and labor for the Lord. 

Elvin was preceded in death by daughter Sandria Ruth Wright, two sons Bishop Bernard Mann, Carlton Mann,his Six sisters, Emma Wright Barrett, Mamie Wright Stewart, Della Wright Gary, Bessie Ruth Wright Johnson, Leslie Mae Watts and Mary Wright Scott. Six brothers Cephas Wright, Alphonso Wright, Timothy R Wright Sr. Vinson Wright, Charles Wright and Bishop James Wright Sr. his Aunt’s Queen Smith and Tabitha Harrell. All of the late brothers and sisters-in-law whom he loved dearly.

 He leaves to cherish his memory His wife Catherine T. Wright, Three daughters Angelia Wright Hill(Suffolk) Dora Lynn Wright (Boston Mass.) Tenita Wright Rodgers (Donnell) Portsmouth. Three sons Elvin Wright Jr (Portsmouth Va), Kenneth Mann (Ethel) of Suffolk, VA; Darryl Mann (Leona) of Suffolk, VA. One sister Deborah Gibbs of Boston, MA; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family. Special Thanks They say It takes a village to raise a child, and the same is true in life’s final chapters.

 A Special thanks to Timothy Wright (nephew) Thank you for always being there to serve and minister to Dad. To Tabitha Franklin (granddaughter) whom he trusted to pay his finances; Meeka (granddaughter), for giving me much-needed rest by staying overnight. To Darryl Jr (Man-Man grandson) for always showing up without being asked when the Fire Department or an ambulance arrived. Deep appreciation to John Wynn, his lifelong friend, and to his Earth Angel and MaMa for their unwavering love, friendship,and patience. Gratitude to Sentara Home Health, Heartland Hospice, Bristol Hospice, APS, Elevate Health, Nans Pointe Rehab. To all the Doctors, Nurses, CNA’s, and Social Workers; Ann Goulse, Senior Advocate, thank you for your compassionate care. A heartfelt thanks to the Suffolk Police and Fir eDepartment -your prompt response, kindness, and respect never went unnoticed. Your spirit of excellence made all the difference.

A viewing will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 at East End Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.