Frances Lucille Wright

Frances Lucille Wright was born on June 9, 1945, to Bernice and Willie Penister

in Portland, Oregon. Following her birth, she and her parents moved to

California. Frances attended 116th St. Elementary, Gompers Jr. High, and later

graduated from Centennial High School. It became evident early on that Frances

possessed a caring soul, a deep love for people, and steadfast loyalty to her

friends and family.

When Frances met the love of her life, Alfred Wright, she gained a daughter,

Bonita and a son, Alfred. The couple later married and through this union, they

would welcome three more children: Glenn, Vincent, and Gwendolyn. Frances

and her family settled in Compton, California.

Frances had an ambition to inspire and care for children. Because of this, she

was elated when she was offered a position to teach with Charles R. Drew

Headstart. She started as a teacher, later promoted to Head Teacher and then

Site Supervisor. Her dedication and stubborn streak became an inspiration to the

children she taught, as she refused to give up on them no matter what their

struggle may have been. Her passion for advocating for children in the classroom

led her to become a foster parent. Beyond her work in the classroom, Frances

shifted her focus to foster care, providing a home for children in need. After 35

years with Charles R. Drew, she retired in 2008.

As a foster parent, Frances created a loving and supportive home environment

for children. She welcomed them with open arms, providing them with a sense of

belonging and security. She organized family trips that included her grandchildren

and foster children alike. Whether it was a day trip to a nearby attraction or a

family vacation to a different state, Frances and the kids were there. These

experiences not only created lasting memories, but also provided valuable

opportunities that enriched their lives and exposed them to the world beyond

their immediate surroundings. Her unwavering love and support made a profound

impact on these young lives, helping them to heal from past traumas and giving

them hope for a brighter future. For many, her impact on their lives extended well

into adulthood and she remained a source of guidance and love long after they

left her home.

A funeral service for Frances will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Hillside Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosehills.com for the Wright family.