Betty (Shomette) Wright

Betty Joyce Wright (Shomette), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025. She was 95 years old. 

Joyce was born October 8,1929 to Judge Wesley Shomette and Nettie Belle Shomette (Mealer) in Lockhart, Texas. She was a graduate of Lockhart High School where she sang in the school choir. 

She married the love of her life, H. T. Wright, Jr., on August 15, 1947.  They started their life together in College Station where H.T. attended Texas A&M. Shortly after they were married, H.T. started working for Exxon who provided them the opportunity to move all over Central Texas. In Falfurrias they welcomed two twin boys, Kerry and Terry. Later they moved to Corpus Christi where the baby of the family, Mark, was born. They raised all three boys in Houston, Texas. Joyce had many friends in the neighborhood and visited them even after Joyce and H.T. relocated back to Lockhart when H.T. retired. 

Upon returning to Lockhart, Joyce jumped back into her hometown community and joined several organizations. She was an active participant with Betas, Friends of the Library, Democratic Women, Meals on Wheels, and the Altar Guild at the Episcopal Church. While serving these organizations, she would take her grandchildren with her to show them the importance of serving your community. 

At home, Joyce was a Master Gardener and loved taking care of her yard. She grew fruit trees, pecans, and beautiful flowers. She paid extra attention to her Knockout Roses which were H.T.’s favorite. On the rare occasion a plant would die, H.T. would tease her about her Master Gardener status to which she would lovingly reply, “Oh hush!” During the summers she was on full-time grandma duty. All twelve grandchildren would visit at various times during the summer. Grandma’s house was the place to be since she always had delicious homemade biscuits and gravy, a few quarters for treats at Westy’s, and unlimited pool time. 

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, H.T. Wright, Jr.; her son, Mark Wright; her parents Judge Wesley Shomette and Nettie Belle Shomette; and her siblings: Bob Shomette, Bill Shomette, Merle Cutshall, Nell Meil, and Doug Shomette.  

Joyce is survived by her sons Terry (Peggy) and Kerry; her brother Tommie (Phyllis); her twelve grandchildren and her seventeen great-grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to celebrate her life on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 am at McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan St. in Lockhart, Texas 77064. Prior to the service there will be a visitation at 9am.  A reception will follow the graveside service.