Jackson State’s Center for University-Based Development (CUBD) recently partnered with Felicia McClinton, president of the Washington Addition Neighborhood Association to paint the home of long-time resident Carrie Bell Dean Wright as a birthday gift. Wright, the third daughter of seven children, celebrated 100 years of life on April 27.
“We wanted to give a special birthday gift to Carrie for her 100thbirthday,” says Heather Wilcox, director for Community Engagement and the Center for University-Based Development. “She has been living in her home for over five decades. She suggested that we could show our appreciation for her commitment to the neighborhood by painting her home.”
The Riverdale, MS native enjoys fishing, singing and teaching Sunday school at her church. She moved to Jackson in 1949 and worked various occupations in local factories. In 1962, Wright became one of the first groups of foster grandparents to work in the state of Mississippi. Wright retired from working for foster grandparent programs at the age of 96. Wright’s personal motto is ‘think before you speak’.
