Jean McAdams Wright went to be with our Savior and Lord.

Yes, the Chairman of the Board stepped down today. Jean McAdams Wright was the chieftain of the McAdams - Wright clan and her departure will leave a vacancy that cannot be filled. For decades, Gran Jean and Papa Whitie successfully guided their clan, no matter how dispersed over the face of the world. They nurtured their organization as it expanded from two to four to ten to twenty and beyond. As the Chairman, Gran Jean took great joy and pride in the newest members, the grands and great grands. She always stayed in close contact, making sure her grandchildren knew the weather in their respective towns so they could dress accordingly. She was a leader in technology, learning mobile devices and texting, and free Wi-Fi at Panera, well ahead of others her age – all to stay in touch with the clan. Some of the greatest memories of the family include the “Board Meetings” held in the Appalachian Mountains. For years, 30 - 50 members of the clan would gather annually to reconnect, recharge, and simply immerse themselves in family. At the center of these gatherings was Gran Jean. At times, she was leading the way – to farmer’s markets, restaurants, or Kilwin’s ice cream. Other times, she was directing from afar, on hikes, canoe trips, or concerts. But she was there at every step with every member of the organization, making sure we were all fed, loved, cared for, and clothed in matching t-shirts.

She was a mother hen whose wingspan covered and protected an enormous brood.

She was a lady rare and inimitable.

She is irreplaceable.

Jean McAdams Wright was born in Piedmont, SC, on June 22, 1933, to John and Vashti Smith McAdams. In 1955, she traveled to Texas to marry the love of her life James G. “Whitie” Wright who preceded her in death in 2010.

She is survived by her children Jeff and Lisa Gaitan-Wright and Jill Wright of Boone, North Carolina. Also surviving are the loves of her life, the grandchildren: Rob Tillison (Jessie); Delina Wright-Gaitan Honey (Mike); Sarah Wright Gaul (James); Kaitlin Tillison Winborn (Wes); Lindsay Tillison; William Wright (Caroline), and the extra special great-grands: Cora and Clara Winborn; Owen, Graham, and Darcy Pinckney; Noelle and Aiden Tillison, Henry Gaul, and Emilia and Ada Honey.

Services will be held at a later date.