Marlene “MiMi” (Smith) Wright

Marlene “MiMi” Wright, 88, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Healthwin in South Bend.

MiMi was born in South Bend, IN to the late Leonard and Josephine Smith. On January 29, 1955, she was united in marriage to Mr. Samuel L. Wright. After attending college, she was employed through the city of South Bend for 26 years and Marriott for 20 years, before retiring.  She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. MiMi will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

As several of you know, MiMi had been writing her own obituary for some time. MiMi always said she didn’t want a long obituary because if you knew her, you knew all there was to know. She loved old TV shows like Walker Texas Ranger, Matlock, The Waltons, Perry Mason, ect. She also loved music, especially blues and jazz, the Democratic party and the many friends she met along the way. She also loved to entertain and hosted many Superbowl parties and holiday parties. MiMi lived a happy and fruitful life. She never met a person she didn’t like (just liked some more than others). She had the greatest love for her family and enjoyed every living moment with them.

Mrs. Marlene “MiMi” Wright is survived by her daughter, Gina Wright of South Bend, IN; her son, Earl Eugene (Octavia) Walker of Gahanna, OH; brothers Leonard (Kathy) Smith, Jr. of Granger, IN and Rev. Dr. Paul (Fran) Smith; six grandchildren: Portia D. Wright of South Bend, Brittany and Darnell Quincy Wright of Deltona, FL, Antonio (Deveda) Walker, Andre (Nikia) Walker of OH and Marcella Walker of Detroit, MI; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

MiMi was married to Samuel L. Wright for 45 years, before his death on May 11, 2000. In addition to her parents and husband, Mimi was also preceded in death by her son, Gregg C. Wright, and her oldest and youngest siblings, Joan Smith and William R. Smith.

Services for Mrs. Marlene Wright will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may call on the family for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Pastor James E. King to officiate. Burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

9/7/2021 EJS