Bernice Martin Wright, 85, of Lexington, died peacefully Saturday, February 27, 2016, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born in Newbery County on January 17, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Noah J. and Sally Hendrix Martin. Mrs. Wright had a passion and love for life. She touched so many people's lives, always looking for ways to make a difference and she lived a life of service, love and devotion. Mrs. Wright shared her love of music with countless people. She taught piano and organ lessons, while at other times, teaching choir members to read music and learn harmony. Over the years, she organized many recitals and choral cantatas. Later in life Mrs. Wright pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. As a nurse, she was able to use her gifts of compassion and love to help others feel better. Later in her career, she found her true calling as a hospice nurse. She truly loved ministering to the needs of the patients and their families during their last days.

Another passion of Mrs. Wright's was her faith in God and her Methodist Church roots. She served faithfully for over 40 years as a pastor's wife. Through the years, she served in many capacities at church, making lifelong friends and earning the respect and love of many congregants. She was a true example of God's love and service on this earth. Perhaps Mrs. Wright's greatest love and passion were her family. She was married to the love of her life, Rev. Harry Wright, for 53 years at the time of his passing, and together, they raised three children. Her happiest times were those spent with her children and grandchildren making family memories, and they will all miss her dearly.

Mrs. Wright is survived by her daughters, Brenda W. Hooker (Tony) of West Columbia, and Connie W. Crider of Lexington; son, Charles E. Wright (Cindy) of Cayce; six grandchildren, Brandon Hooker, Christopher Hooker (Sabrina), and Daryl Hooker (Christy), Heather Crowe (Casey), Olivia Crider, and Amanda Crider; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The service for Mrs. Wright will be held at 11 o'clock, Monday, February 29, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1160 Trinity Church Rd. Newberry, SC 29103, with The Rev. Ken Carter and The Rev. David Kiel officiating. Interment will follow at 1 o'clock in Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 o'clock, Sunday, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1717 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29169; or to the Alzheimer's Association: South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621. The family wishes to extend thanks to the caring staff of Oak Leaf Village and All Seasons Medical Associates.