One Thousand Plus Celebrate the Life of Beloved Co-Pastor Betty Wright and Grandson DJ Wright

by Sheilah Vickers

Also included on the program were: Mary Mary (singing, "Yesterday,") Rev. Al Sharpton (remarks,) Dorothy Norwood (singing, "I Need Thee",) Bishop Richard "Mr Clean" White and Twinkie Clark (singing duet, "Accept What God Allows",) Dr. Aretha Wilson (remarks,) and Professor Iris Stevenson, president of COGIC International Music Dept (remarks.) As the Concert Choir (120 plus strong) were at their best, they ministered in song by singing, "If I Suffer," written by Pastor Timothy Wright. The microphone was passed around on the song, "Jesus Will," to singers such as Evang. Doreen Figueroa, Timeney Figueroa-Caton, Evang. Dorinda Clark-Cole, Supt. Rubienstein McClure, Evang. Lorraine Stancil and Lady Monique Walker. Evangelist Valerie Boyd rendered the sermonic solo (singing, "Say the Name" and "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" written by Betty J. Wright.) Supt. Willie James Campbell of the St. James COGIC (Chicago) preached the eulogy.

Other notables present were Bishop James Gaylord (Pastor Wright's Jurisdictional Bishop,) Bishop Frank White, Supt. J. Drew Sheard (COGIC AIM Chairman,) Bishop Bobby Henderson, Bishop Huie L. Rogers (Bibleway Churches Worldwide,) Bishop Albert Jamison (GMWA Chairman), Bishop Eric Figueroa, Bishop John H. Boyd, Supt. Frank Anthone White, Professor James Hall, Will Bogle (Manager of Ricky Dillard,) Bishop Carl Williams Jr. (Pastor of Institutional COGIC, Int'l,) Bishop J.C. White (Presiding Bishop of COGIC Int'l,) ArchBishop Roy E. Brown (Presiding Bishop of Pilgrim Churches Worldwide,) and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. During the viewing it was requested that the mourners exit the building to respect the Wright Family in their final moments. Because the viewing lasted more than 45 minutes for the large crowd to view and exit the sanctuary, the Concert Choir took us down memory lane singing songs written by Pastor Timothy Wright, including, "These Are They," "I'm A Believer," "Yes I Want to Testify," "Everything to God in Prayer," "I've Been Born Again," and many more.