Zonna Lyles Wright, 97, of 55 Walton St., died Friday, November 11, 2011.
Zonna was born May 23, 1914, in the Green Creek area of Polk County, NC to the late Mary Miller and Joseph Elford Lyles. She received a very minimal childhood education from the Polk County school system before moving to Asheville in the 1920's.
Zonna was employed in the Dietary Dept of the Veteran's Admin Hospital, formerly known as Moore's General Hospital from 1948-1964 and retired after 16 years of faithful service due to her health.
She was a longtime member of New Bethel Baptist Church and served as head of the floral committee for many years. Zonna was benevolent and routinely supported community initiatives when possible. She was fondly known in the community as "Miss Zonna". She enjoyed home gardening and spending time with her family and friends.
Zonna was preceded in death by four sisters, Emma Burleigh, Effie Fitzgerald, Eva Bell and Grace Long; six brothers, Joseph, John, Thomas, Grady, Coleman and Leroy Lyles.; grandson, John C. Wright, Jr.; sons-in-law, Bruce T. Pagan, Sr. and Vernon Smith.
Surviving family include daughters, Barbara Pagan, and Betty Smith of Asheville; son, John C. Wright, Sr. of Detroit, Mich; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Daisy Lyles and Helen Lyles of Asheville and Viola Lyles of Charlotte; other relatives and friends.
The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. J.W. Brewster officiating. Burial will be in Violet Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 55 Walton St.