Janice Carol Wright

The Journey……

Janice Carol Wright of Detroit, MI, affectionately called Granny, lived 79 amazing years serving the Lord in every capacity that she could until He called her home while resting peacefully on June 14th, 2018.

The Journey began when Janice was born the 1st of 6 children to the late Robert & Everal Villenueve on July 17, 1938 in Alpena, MI. From a young age, Janice loved being outdoors with nature, flowers, trees and animals. Often, she spoke of days with her Dad in the forests of California. She had many special moments that she loved to share with family and friends. In September 1950 when Janice was 12 years old she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized in the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ). Janice graduated from High School and later went on to Michigan State University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities in 1963. Upon graduating Janice began working as a Social Worker for the Department of Human Services in Detroit, MI.

Janice soon met the love of her life, Luzell Wright, whom she married August 26, 1966 after only a few weeks of dating. Janice & Luzell were told by Doctors they would never be able to conceive so they decided to adopt their 1st child David. Once the adoption was finalized and David was home getting acquainted with his new parents, the couple soon discovered they were pregnant with Steven who was followed by two other children, Gianna and Jodie. Janice and Luzell learned quickly its best to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man! One day Janice saw an add in the local newspaper that left a strong impression on her heart for a young boy in need of adoption. Janice felt her family was incomplete and had compassion for children in need, so after discussing with Luzell they again decided to adopt, and Bobby made their family complete.

Janice & Luzell became caregivers for so many young children in need that their home became the “Wright Place” for kids. Janice would baby sit for many parents in the neighborhood in need of quality childcare. When their children became school aged Janice began working as a Substitute Teacher in the Detroit Public Schools for many years. Janice was very active in her church serving as the youth leader at the RLDS Church in Highland Park, MI for many years until her children grew up. Janice was also active in the community serving as a den mother for both the Girl & Boy Scouts of America. Janice would gather up children all around the neighborhood where she lived and bring them to church for different services and programs. Janice can especially be remembered by those summer camping trips and retreats that many children looked forward to year after year.

There were many families impacted by the Mother’s Love that she shared with others such as Joyce White, Okyon Lee, & William Shabazz just to name a few. These families and their children found a place of refuge during difficult times in their lives where the “Wright Place” became home. Janice was a Mother & Granny to many. After 29 years of marriage Janice had to learn the life of a widow after Luzell passed June 23, 1995.

In her latter years, Granny was known for her monthly newsletters that she would send out to her family, friends and acquaintances. Her writings are a part of her legacy that she passed down to her children and her grandchildren and will be treasured for years to come. Janice was also a published author, with her script name Marya Lena Villanueva and her 1st book published was “Marya meets Jesus” which can still be purchased at xlibris.com, barnesandnoble.com, and amazon.in.

• She leaves to cherish her precious legacy and a lifetime of memories 4 children Steven Wright, Gianna (Jeff) Mumford, Jodie (Dynale Sr) Washington, and Bobby Wright; 9 Grandchildren Diante’ (Tabitha) Wright, Brianna Wright, Dai’jah Todd, A’vierre Todd, Kayla Washington, Ja’miah Washington, Dynale Washington Jr, Nevaeh Washington & Matthew Washington; 6 Great Grandchildren Diante’ Wright II, Destiny Wright, Daniah Wright, Keith Atkins III, Karter Atkins, & Khloe’ Wright; 3 God Daughters Raeshameise Whitley, Faizah Shabazz & Aisha Shabazz. 1 Brother Gary (Barb)Villenueve, 1 Sister Roberta (John) Miller; 3 half Sisters Diana (Don) Ford, Jean Allen, & Joan (James) Fuller; along with a host of other family, friends and many she loved.

She was Preceded in death by her husband Luzell Wright & Son David Wright; both parents Robert Villenueve and Everal Villenueve; 2 Sisters Joyce Villenueve, Joan Lee Villeneuve, & 1 brother James Villenueve.

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