Lynda (Wright) Malone

Lynda Wright Malone, a native and resident of Grove Hill, peacefully made her earthly transition Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home. Born Aug. 22, 1932 to Gadella Roper Wright and Willie Wright, she was 86 years of age.

Only 12 years old when her mother passed away, she assumed a very caring and motherly role for her younger siblings. Lynda was a lifelong devoted, faithful and dedicated member of the Wilson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Grove Hill. She served as a treasurer, was a member of the Missionary Society, Lay Organization, a Steward and on the Stewardess Board. Lynda served in whatever capacity she was needed.

A graduate of Wilson Hall School, Lynda also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Alabama State University, a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Tuskegee Institute and Advance Study in Administration from the University of Alabama. Lynda’s remarkable career spanned academia, politics, business and education. She was a “Trailblazer in Education.”

She refused to view color as a barrier and swam against the political and racial tides with strength and dignity becoming one of Alabama’s most active leaders. Lynda was the first black teacher to enter the Clarke County School System under “Freedom of Choice” in 1967; the first black teacher at an all-white Clarke County High School in 1972; the first black administrator hired at Patrick Henry Junior College in Monroeville, presently named Coastal Alabama Community College, in 1990; the first black to serve as president of Alabama Education Association from Clarke County; the first black honored as Grove Hill Citizen of the Year and also serving on the Grove Hill Memorial Hospital Board.

Lynda has served her family, community, state and country well. She has received many deserved honors in which she’ll always be highly remembered and has been referred to as a “Modern Day Pioneer.”

Those left to cherish her memories are her sisters, Adella Wright, Dorothy Wright and Martha Burroughs; brother, Willie (Dawn) Wright; her beloved nephews, Cyrus Wright, Dwight Wright, Russell Wright and Noland Chapman; caretaker, friend and confidant, Rosa Robinson Clarke; and countless other family members and friends.

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