Obituary of Dawn A. Wright

Dawn C. Wright was summoned to her eternal home by her loving Lord and Savior on November 12, 2021 a few weeks after reaching her 90th birthday. Dawn, the eldest child of the late Mildred and Allen Clendenning, was born on October 25, 1931, and is best remembered by family and friends for her unfailing faith and kindness and interest in education. After graduating from DeRuyter Central School, and earning a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the State University of New York College at Cortland she taught in several school districts in the Greater Binghamton area, primarily as a kindergarten teacher. She also led a school at her church in Endwell, where she also taught Sunday School, and occasionally played the piano for services. Dawn organized family trips, most memorably to Israel, and Washington, DC. A repository of family history, she would freely share memories of growing up enjoying the apple orchard, strawberry patch, creek, and piano playing at the family farm in Georgetown, NY where she played an integral role in the raising of her siblings. She is survived by her brother Andy (Carol) Clendenning, sisters Sylvia Hathaway, and Rita (Allan) Youngs; also, by sons Steven Wright, and Philip (Amanda) Wright and children Amy (Brent), Amber, Cody, Cayden, Katelyn, and Kyla, and several nieces, nephews, sisters, and brothers-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Wright, her sister, Ruth Gillespie, and brothers, Dr. Lee Clendenning and Daniel Clendenning. Beverly (Elmer's sister) and Ronald Bode recalled a hot summer day when Elmer, Dawn, and boys visited their L. I. home. Dawn was petrified, but agreed to a sailboat ride in their boat. She put aside her fears and braved the elements. Soon with sunlight and wind in her face she was free of fear. She was joyful and happy as the wind and salt spray went past her freckled cheeks. In the following years Dawn often expressed how that was a special memory for her. Dawn lived unselfishly, and deeply loved the Lord and, her family and friends. Her essence can be expressed in the lyrics to "Something Beautiful," written by Christian songwriting legend, Bill Gaither. Dawn's gentle spirit was "Something Beautiful, Something Good," and she was very special to all who were privileged to know and love her. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 22, 2021 at the Church of Christ in Christian Union, 3577 Smith Dr, Endwell at 11AM. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the Church Monday from 10AM until service time at 11. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Church of Christ in Christian Union, 3577 Smith Drive, Endwell, NY 13760.