Obituary of Mary Wright

Mary (Abston) Wright December 23, 1931 - January 3, 2013 Mary Abston was born December 23, 1931 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was the daughter of the late Daisy Bell (Lee) and Henry Newton Abston. She married, "Wild Bill" Holloway in 1950 and later married, James Arthur Wright on May 12, 1969. Mary was a remarkable woman; traveling the country during the 1950's and 1960's racing hydroplane watercrafts. She rebuilt racing boat engines and was a two time pro hydro-plane Grand National Champion. For many years she bowled and as a part of the Toledo Queen Bowling Team was known as "600" for rolling back to back 300 games. In the 1960-1970's, she pitched on her softball teams. For twenty years she and James operated Avery Corner Party and Gas Station. Being the only store in town gave them the title "Mater of Avery." After selling the store they moved to Louisiana, and after his death, Mary moved to Atlanta, Michigan. Mary was an avid Tiger and Piston fan, never missing a game and always current on stats. She was a big hunter, known for shooting two deer with one shot. While living in Louisiana, she enjoyed teaching the children how to fish. Mary loved cooking family meals and tending her flower garden. Mary Wright age 81 of Monroe passed away on January 3, 2013 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by both husbands; son: Billy Kaiser; brother: Jasper Abston; sisters: Lucille Dill and Willa Mae Collier; brothers-in-law: Sherman Tuttle and Paul Turner; and sister-in-law: Connie Abston. To cherish her memory she leaves three children: John Andrew Holloway of Monroe; twins: Julia (Dave) Wood of Monroe and Joyce (Ray) Messmore of Flat Rock; five grandchildren: Jenni L. Holloway of Villa Park, Illinois; Joseph A. DeSloover of Monroe; Andrew T. DeSloover of Monroe; Christine Mary Elizabeth DeSloover of Monroe and Elizabeth "Grace" Wood of Monroe; one great granddaughter: Nicole Holloway of Villa Park, Illinois; one brother: David Abston of Noble, Louisiana; two sisters: Nancy "Elizabeth" Tuttle of Monroe; Ruth Turner of Monroe; a sister-in-law: Eileen Abston of Port Arthur, Texas and a brother-in-law: James Dill Jr. of Cardora, Alabama. Friends may gather from 1:00-4:00pm, Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life follows at 4:00pm officiated by Pastor Louis Barnett of Eagles Nest. Online guests may leave condolences by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.