Stacy Ann Wright

Stacy Ann Wright, beloved mother, dedicated teacher, and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 56 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. At the time of her passing she was surrounded by her family in Gaylord, who will forever cherish the memories of the love, warmth, and joy she brought into their lives.

Born on December 18, 1968, in Flint, Michigan, Stacy is the daughter of Earl and Roberta (Lacy) Henry. She grew up in Rankin and graduated with the first class of the newly combined Carman-Ainsworth High School in 1987. After high school, Stacy went to Central Michigan University to study education, but finding that CMU was not a good fit, she moved to Gaylord. While working in Gaylord, Stacy met her future husband, Don Wright. They were married in 1992 and their first son, Cole, was born in 1993. Sons Brady and Blake, and a daughter, Mackenzie, followed. 

Stacy attended North Central Michigan College in Petoskey where she received her associate degree while Don worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections (DOC). His work took them to Adrian and Stacy finished her education at Sienna Heights University in 1997, receiving her bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1998, Stacy was offered an extended substitute teaching position at Gaylord Community Schools followed by a full-time permanent position within the district. The young family moved to Indian River so she could teach in Gaylord while Don continued his work with Michigan DOC in Kinross. 

Don tragically died in 2005 while the family was living in Indian River, leaving Stacy to raise their four young children. With the tremendous help and support of family, Stacy and the kids moved in with her parents, Earl and Roberta in Elmira. 

Several years later, Stacy’s brother, Matt, introduced her to Dennis Mitchell at a weekend card tournament in Swartz Creek. They began a friendship. Stacy found love again with Dennis, and the two spent the last 18 years together, including their marriage in 2013. 

Stacy spent her life touching the hearts of those around her. She was a passionate educator, having taught 6th grade at Gaylord Intermediate school for almost 30 years. Her students fondly remember her not only for her dedication to their academic success but also for her unwavering support, kindness, and ability to inspire them to pursue their dreams. 

For much of her career she participated in her local GEA union as a building representative and was the current acting GEA president. She was a past recipient of the Michigan Education Association Golden Apple award. 

Outside of the classroom, Stacy was an avid traveler, always eager to explore new places. Whether it was a weekend getaway traveling to sporting events with her family or an international adventure, she found joy in discovering the world and sharing those experiences with her loved ones. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family and friends, who were the cornerstone of her life. Whether gathering for holidays, hosting one of her cherished card parties, or just enjoying a good conversation, her home was always a welcoming place filled with laughter and love.

Stacy is survived by her husband, Dennis Mitchell; her four children, Cole (Bree) Wright of Gaylord, Brady (fiancée Mikayla Reynolds) Wright of Gaylord; Blake Wright of Grand Rapids, and Mackenzie Wright of Gaylord; grandsons, Kase and Grant Wright. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Wright, in 2005, nephew Justin Wood, and her dad, Earl Henry, in 2019. 

She is also survived by her mom, Roberta Henry of Elmira; sister, Lisa Henry; nieces and nephews, Abbey, Brandon, Wally, Kinsey, Amy, Nick, Wyatt, and Taylor of Gaylord; sister, Cathie Wood of Libertyville, IL; nephew Kyle; brother, Matt (Tracy) Henry of Swartz Creek; nieces and nephews, Cal, Albany, Autumn, Josh, Heath, Haven and Devon; and brother, Mike Henry of Elmira. 

Her legacy of love, generosity, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The Wright family would like to thank all of those who have supported them during this time and invite you to join in remembering the wonderful woman she was.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Gaylord High School Gornick Auditorium. A luncheon will follow the service in the high school cafeteria. 

Interment will take place in the spring at Fairview Cemetery in Gaylord. 

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in Stacy’s memory to: The Stacy A. Wright Scholarship Fund, through the Otsego Community Foundation.  https://give.otsegofoundation.org/campaign/657619/donate

 Please share your memories and personal messages with her family on her guestbook below.