Individual Details

Death

We regretfully announce the passing of our Mother, Amelda Wright Privett, of Galax, VA passed away on November 8, 2021 after a hard-fought battle to live.  Amelda,who courageously won her battle with breast cancer 18 years ago, battled diabetes and other illnesses since then, spent the last six months in seven different medical facilities after breaking her her arm in a fall leading to severe complications of non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure and a stage 4 ulcer, all of which she fought head on with a determination like no other. Amelda was born on August 26, 1946,  to Perry Gray and Maude Dora Holder Wright  in Mt Airy, NC. After graduating from North Surry High School in 1964, she then went on to work for Hanes, Sara Lee Textile for over 30 years. In 1965, Amelda met Ronnie Franklin Privett, at the infamous Dairy Bar in Galax where his best friend had just asked her out. When the friend left, Ron asked her out also, Amelda replied I suppose you will have to arrive first. He did, and they wed in 1966, then separated and divorced at their 50th year of marriage remaining lifelong friends. They had two children, Amelda Michelle Privett and John Franklin Privett and two grandchildren, Amelda Madilyn Furr and Adiayn Mac Jonah Furr. When Amelda, the youngest of seven children, had her daughter, Michelle, she knew that she would dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother while working full time at Hanes. Amelda excelled at propping up John, Michelle, Madi, Adiayn and Ron and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was supporting John through his hyper, wide-open adventures  or supporting Michelle  through drag racing and being a loving adventurous grandmother to Madi and Adiayn, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others.  Amelda made life better for anyone who crossed her path in life, she never in her life met a stranger albeit to the red faces and semi embarrassment of her family when she would literally ask almost any question of anyone. Amelda was generous and kind, she would help anyone she could, her smile was contagious. She was a talented pianist, playing by ear, she could tickle the keys and had no problem finding the chord of any singer although she never read music. Amelda could do anything and most would be surprised to know priming tobacco as a child, having a pet rooster, driving a school bus while in high school, and teaching her kids to drive a straight gear were among her many talents. To say we will miss her greatly is beyond an understatement. Amelda is leaving behind her children and grandchildren and is also survived by a brother, Mack (and Betty Wright), her sister Mary Sue Smith, and sister in law Norma Jean Wright, all from LowGap, NC along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Amelda will also be missed by her granddogs she helped care for and loved to pretend to fuss about Chevy, Roxy and Abby. Amelda had special friends Holly Carr and Mary Frost, both from Galax. The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to 326 Sarasota Lane, Galax Va 24333. The family is so very appreciative of any consideration of donation or contribution to the overwhelming medical and funeral expenses left behind after Amelda's long and hard fought battle. 
The Family would like to thank the many special nurses at the hospitals in NC and VA and also at Grayson Rehab in Independence who treated Amelda like their own. A celebration of Amelda's life will be held at Vaughn Guynn McGrady Funeral Home, Hillsville, VA on Saturday, November 13th with Pastor Sam Holder and Pastor Gene Brinkley officiating, beginning at 10 am for visitation with service to follow at 11am. A graveside service will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, Route 89, Galax VA on Monday, Nov 15th at 11am.