100 years old – that is how old Eloise Larry Wright will be turning later this September. Born the same year that the Winter Olympics slalomed their way onto the international stage, the long-time Brooksvillian has been the loving matriarch of the Wright family for decades.
A strong 57-year marriage to her husband Earl brought ten children into their lives. A sincere love for children led her to gain a degree in elementary education, which she would use to teach youths at the elementary and “head start” levels in Hernando County’s public schools.
In honor of her upcoming milestone, Wright’s family venerated their centennial mother and discussed more of her story, noting her passion for faith, family, children, and sports (namely baseball) in an email to the Sun on Friday:
“Eloise Larry Wright, an esteemed mother, teacher, and matriarch of the Wright Family of Brooksville, Florida, has devoted her life to fostering growth through an open heart and mind, always guided by her faith in God. Born in Bradenton, Florida, on September 15, 1924, Eloise’s life has been a testament to resilience, dedication, and enduring love for both family and community.”
“Moving to Brooksville with her parents at an early age, Eloise attended public school. It was there as a high schooler that she met and eventually married the love of her life, her husband Earl. Their bond grew stronger over the years and resulted in a 57-year marriage which produced ten children. After graduating from high school, Eloise pursued higher education at Bethune Cookman
College.”
“She later transferred to Florida Memorial College where she studied Elementary Education. Marriage and raising a family interrupted her studies for a period. Intent on fulfilling a promise to her father that she would obtain her degree, Eloise continued her studies, enrolling and graduating from St. Leo College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Her love for children and education led her to become employed by Hernando County Public Schools where she worked in Head Start and the Elementary levels.”
“Faith and family are paramount in Eloise’s life. She has maintained a lifelong membership with Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church, where she serves as a Deaconess and member of various auxiliaries.”
“Eloise has always held a passion for baseball. She enjoyed watching her husband and sons play the game. Today she can be found in her chair, watching and cheering on her favorite team, The Tampa Bay Rays. She attributes her longevity to healthy eating, a positive attitude and her faith in God. Her life is a shining example of how love, education, and faith can shape a family and community. Her unwavering commitment to her family and her community is one that will inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.”
Eloise’s story shows how one person can live a long, impactful, and love-filled life. She will continue to inspire and lead her family as well as root for her favorite local baseball team as she moves into her next century.
