With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wanda Kay Wright, age 76, on April 27, 2026.
Kay was born on Aug. 3, 1949, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Harley and Greta Lawson of Alex, Oklahoma. She was raised in a close-knit farming community alongside her twin sister, Rhonda McLearen, and her older sisters, Alicia Currie and Lynda Bailey. Kay attended Alex High School, where she was involved in many church and school activities, earned the honor of valedictorian, and was a member of their state championship basketball team.
Following high school, Kay attended Oklahoma State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She later earned a master’s degree in Gifted Education from Kansas State University.
Kay married Richard Cox of Alex, Oklahoma, on June 14, 1969. As a young couple, they lived throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, serving and working in both ministry and education. Together, they had three children: Brian Cox of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary Kay McCormick of Bucyrus, Kansas; and Erin Keller of Driftwood, Texas.
Girard, Kansas became Kay’s home for more than 35 years. She was a respected member of the community and a dedicated gifted education teacher, serving hundreds of students through the SEK Interlocal Education Office. Kay worked with elementary, middle, and high school students across numerous districts, including Girard, Cherokee, Galena, Baxter Springs, Frontenac, Uniontown, and St. Paul. Her impact on students and fellow educators was lasting and profound.
In Nov. of 1991, Kay married Gregory S. Wright in Girard. Together, Kay and Greg shared a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and service. They enjoyed supporting children and education, singing and playing music together, participating in the arts, and spending time with loved ones in their Girard home.
Kay will be remembered most for her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, gentle kindness, and servant’s heart. She lived out her faith daily through her continual involvement in youth groups, bible studies, prayer groups, and local church leadership. Kay was also a devoted member of Aglow International, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including Area President for Kansas and the State Prayer Coordinator. Through Aglow, she was blessed with opportunities to travel, including meaningful ministry trips to Israel and Washington, D.C., which deeply enriched her spiritual life.
More than anything, Kay desired to share the love of God with others and to be present for her family. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent cuddling babies, reading stories, playing games, attending sports and events, and being their constant source of encouragement and love.
Kay’s love, prayers, and gentle spirit will live on in her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith and carried forward through generations.
Kay is survived by her sister, Rhonda McLearen and brother-in-law Bill McLearen; sister, Alicia Currie; brother-in-law, Floyd Bailey; son, Brian Cox; her daughter, Mary Kay McCormick and son-in-law Michael McCormick, and daughter, Erin Keller and son-inlaw Chris Keller; her stepdaughters, Shelly Wright Tickel and Shannon Wineman; and her beloved grandchildren: Christian Cox, Jonathan Cox, Andrew Cox, Hannah McCormick, Michaela McCormick, Thor McCormick, Adilyn Keller, Lauren Keller, Rachel Wineman, and Kate Wineman. As well as many loving nieces and nephews; Larisa Parsley, Shelise Parsley, Lance McLearen, Sara Martin, John McLearen, and Gwen Bailey.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Michelle Cox; her husband, Gregory Wright; her parents, Harley and Greta Lawson; and her sister, Lynda Bailey. Well done, good and faithful daughter. You have been faithful in all things. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now enter into the joy the Lord prepared for you.
Memorial services will be held on at June 6, 2026, at Penwell-Gabel in Olathe, KS. Family visitation time will begin at 10 a.m.with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.
