Memorial Service for Vernon S. Wright, Jr. **** Friday, August  22, 2025 12:00 PM

Visitation with the family 11:00 AM until 11:55 AM

at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church 380 North Fairfield Road Devon, Pennsylvania 19333

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The Resonant Life of Vernon S. Wright, Jr.

Vernon Shirley Wright, Jr. was a man whose life echoed the profound rhythms of love, faith, and resilience. Born March 15, 1948, to the late Hilda Maude (Turner) and Rev. Vernon Shirley Wright, Sr., Vernon, affectionately known as "Vernie," embraced his African American heritage with pride and lived a life that resonated with purpose and sincerity. Growing up in Paoli, he excelled in sports, notably basketball & soccer, where his talents shone brightly. Graduating from Great Valley High School (Class of 1967), he pursued further education at Albert Lea College in Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology.

Vernon's professional journey was marked by his accomplishments in radio, advertising, and media marketing. With a successful career beginning at Pillsbury, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to being on a sales team that sold the most advertisements in the history of Ebony magazine in NYC, where he spent 40 years as a media/marketing genius. He later transitioned to radio sales.

At SJS, Vernon's vision led an incredibly successful urban division. His management of the overall business made it one of the most successful urban radio syndication companies in the business, which was later sold to SFX, Clear Channel, and is now a part of iHeart Radio.

As a senior vice president of marketing and sales for American Urban Radio Networks, Vernon led with vision and integrity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

On September 18, 1970, Vernon entered into holy matrimony with Bessie M. Wright, embarking on a 49-year journey filled with love and mutual respect. Bessie joined him in Minnesota for college, her subtle influence transformed him into the responsible husband and father for which he always gave her credit. After dwelling in the New York City area for 40 years, Vernon and Bessie returned to the Philadelphia area to be amongst family.

Vernon was a beloved father to his children, Sondra and Nigel, a beloved "Poppy" to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a master to Rocco, a fiercely loyal dog whose spirited presence brought immense joy and companionship to Vernon's life.

Vernon was a very smooth man. He was a superb dresser and was one of the coolest people that you'd ever meet. He was a father figure to many young men and a mentor to many in the business world. He cherished family gatherings, where his booming voice and infectious laugh would fill the room with joy. His passion for sports, travel, Italian cuisine, and music, especially commercial jazz, colored his days with boundless enthusiasm and zest.

Most importantly, Vernon's life was a reflection of his deep faith and devotion to God. As a positive influence in his community, he continually spread kindness and wisdom to all who crossed his path. His legacy of love and faith continues to inspire those he leaves behind. On August 13, 2025, Vernon transitioned peacefully, with his son by his side, joining his beloved Bessie in eternal rest. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bessie M. Wright, one brother, Vaughn H. Wright, one niece, Stephanie Loren Wright and his loyal and loving pet dog, Rocco.

He leaves a legacy of love to his daughter, Sondra L. "Soni" Wright; son, Nigel Adrian Wright; seven grandchildren: Blaire Brown, Marcus Sancho, Medina Cheek, Milan Wright, Mayson Wright, Jaxson Power, Malae Wright; three great-grandchildren, Gianna Cofield and Bailee Cofield and Giorgia Cofield; one brother, Ventnor T Wright and his wife Leslie; one uncle, Calvin Wright and his wife Lenore; one aunt, Angie (Cropper) Turner; nieces, Valeisha Wright companion, Akeem Maultsby, Vicki Wright Brown and her husband Samuel, Volonna Wright and companion, Ronald Williams; nephew, Christian B. Sherwitzl Wright and his wife Sarah, and a host of close cousins, other relatives and friends.

The memory of Vernon S. Wright, Jr. will remain a beacon of love and will be cherished as a soul who embraced life with purpose and gratitude.

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Condolences for the family may be shared through the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in memory of Vern.