Gayla Wright

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, our beloved Gayla Wright answered her Heavenly Father’s call and peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by the love of her family. While our hearts are saddened by her passing, we rejoice knowing that she has received her heavenly reward and is now resting safely in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Gayla was born on July 29, 1961 in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to the late Earl Glen Wright and Willa Mae Robbins Wright. She was raised in Wagoner, where she developed the strength, resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith that would define her remarkable life. She graduated from Wagoner High School as a proud member of the Class of 1979 before continuing her education at Northeastern State University, earning a degree that would prepare her for a lifetime of leadership and service.

Known for her independent spirit, warm heart, and radiant smile, Gayla never met a stranger. She had a special gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether sharing words of encouragement, offering a helping hand, or simply greeting someone with her beautiful smile, she made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Gayla believed that caring for herself allowed her to better care for others. She enjoyed working out at the gym and faithfully participated in Zumba classes, where she formed many treasured friendships. Her joyful personality and contagious laughter made every room brighter.

Throughout her professional career, Gayla exemplified excellence, dedication, and leadership. She served as Regional Manager for Kentucky Fried Chicken, worked at Town and Country Restaurant, the Veterans Administration Regional Office, Amazon, and most recently was employed in Shipping and Receiving at Unarco Industries. Wherever God placed her, Gayla worked with integrity, determination, and a servant’s heart.

Her love for people reached far beyond the workplace. Gayla was deeply committed to her community and believed that serving others was one of life’s greatest callings. In 2018, she was elected to serve as Ward 2 Councilor for the City of Wagoner, faithfully representing her community with wisdom, compassion, and determination. Through her tireless advocacy, the City of Wagoner received grant funding to improve Lincoln Park, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. She was truly a voice for the people and never stopped working to make her community stronger.

Above all else, Gayla loved the Lord. She was a faithful and devoted member of St. John Baptist Church, where she served with humility and joy. Even during her illness, her commitment to her church never wavered. She found great happiness in sharing church announcements and making sure her church family stayed connected and informed. Her faith sustained her through every season of life, and she remained steadfast in her trust that God would order her steps.

Gayla was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Edna Mae Robbins and Hayes Robbins Sr; her paternal grandparents, Earnest Wright and Luchita Wright; her loving father, Earl Glen Wright; and her uncle, Hayes Robbins Jr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted mother, Willa Mae Robbins Wright of Wagoner, OK; her loving brother, Earl “Bubba” Wright Jr of Wagoner, OK.; her niece, Abigail Renee Wright of Wagoner, OK; her bonus children, Whitney and Jessica Baker of Tahlequah, OK, a good friend who was like a brother, Steve Hazell, of Florida; and her cherished family including a host of cousins, devoted church family, countless friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the citizens of Wagoner whose lives were forever enriched by her kindness, leadership, and unwavering love.

Although our hearts will miss her presence, we find comfort in knowing that Gayla has exchanged earthly labor for eternal rest. Her work here is complete, her race has been run, and her crown has been won. Her life stands as a testimony of faith, perseverance, service, and unconditional love.

Her beautiful smile will continue to shine in the memories of all who knew her, and her legacy of faith, courage, and community service will live on for generations to come.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., during the scheduled viewing.

Gayla's loving family and many friends will gather for the funeral to celebrate her life and mourn her death on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at noon at the First Assembly of God Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Gayla will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Gibson Station, Oklahoma.

The family of Gayla Wright has entrusted her care and arrangements to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911