Jean Robinson Wright

Jean Robinson Wright, 76, passed away suddenly June 9, 2012, surrounded in the loving embrace of family and special friends. Predeceased by parents Skidmore and Eula (Brown) Robinson, and brother Skidmore Jr. Survived by children, Benjamin Wright, Jacquelyn Wright, Pamela (Charles) Busby, Jeffrey Wright, Benita (Kioshi) Smith; brother, Stanford Robinson; grandchildren Thailyn Wright, Kendall and Bailey Smith; special cousins, Sadie Jackson, Geraldine Smith,and Elsie Johnson; former husband, Benny Wright; many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including Fran Frazier, Lillian Jackson, Fr. Thomas Petry, BJ Richard, Reita Smith, Beverly Thompson and Diana Williams. A businesswoman and former beauty queen, Jean graduated with honors from her beloved Columbus East High School in 1953, where she was captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. She attended The Ohio State University School of Business Administration. She was a top model at the Gaywood School of Charm and Modeling and was crowned Miss Bronze Ohio in 1954. Jean started her own custom dressmaking and tailoring boutique where her work included costuming for TV, stage, and nightclub performers. She worked at the Lazarus Department Store, the City of Columbus Department of Community Service, and retired from the Ohio Department of Commerce in 1998. She was a board member for CMACAO, and a member of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers. She supported numerous local artists and entertainers, and volunteered at the King Arts Complex. She was an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church for 25 years, serving on numerous ministries, including Parish Council and Visitors for Christ. She chaired the Worship and Spiritual Life Committee, and as Director Emeritus of Worship Environment, created African-inspired décor and vestments for each liturgical season. Jean also served on the Diocesan Evangelization Committee and on the executive board of Black Catholic Ministries of Columbus. For 10 years, she proudly served as a member of the Women's Day of Prayer Committee. Despite significant health challenges, Jean never lost her passion for faith, family, friends and fashion. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Black Catholic Ministries of Columbus, 197 E. Gay St. Col's, 43215; or King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., Col's, 43203.