Peggy Espy Wright, 86 Chattanooga

Peggy Espy Wright, of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 86.

She was born Dec. 27, 1929, and was the adopted daughter of Lavada Newell. Peggy attended the Chattanooga public schools and graduated as salutatorian. She earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Chattanooga, majoring in violin and public school music. After graduating, she organized and taught string instrument classes in Dalton, Ga.

For many years she played the violin in the Chattanooga Symphony. Later Peggy returned to Chattanooga and taught third and fourth grades in the public schools of Chattanooga, the Bright School.

Later she returned to UTC and earned a master’s degree with a major in reading instruction. She took other graduate courses that would qualify her as a reading specialist. For 10 years she organized and taught the summer reading classes at the McCallie School along with teaching reading classes in the public schools. After retirement she served as adjunt professor at Chattanooga State Community College teaching developmental reading.

Peggy was active in the International Reading Association on the local, state and national level. She served two years as the president of the Tennessee Reading Association. As part of the TRA, she participated in international exchange. Her international activities included serving as president of the Local Sister City Association for six years.

As Tennessee coordinator for Sister Cities International, she, along with the N.C. coordinator, organized the first Southeast Regional Sister City International Conference which was held in Chattanooga. Privately and as part of S.C. I., she traveled to many parts of the world. She and her husband traveled to Europe (England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy) the Middle East (Israel) Asia (Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong) and China.

Peggy was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church where she served as elder and choir member. She also served on Presbytery level committees.

Survivors include: Her husband, John L. Wright Jr., of Chattanooga; sons, Dr. John L. Wright III and Stephen M. Wright and granddaughters, Emily June Wright and Weera Jane Wright.

Memorial service: Sunday, July 24, at 2 p.m. at New Hope Presbyterian Church.

Online guestbook available at wilsonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements: W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe.