Shirley Wright refocusing her ministry to church, community

When an association’s director of missions (DOM) retires, what does that mean for his family? For some it means a move into another area of ministry. For others it means spending more time with each other.
   
But for many spouses of DOMs, it means they, too, must retire.
   
“In [the early] days, when we came, the wife was usually part of the package deal. She became secretary and clerk,” said Jack Wright.
  
Wright, who retired March 4 after 37 years as DOM of Clarke Association (see story, this page), said his wife, Shirley, has been an essential part of his ministry, serving as associational secretary and clerk.
   
“It couldn’t have gotten done without her,” he said. “She’s been my right-hand person.”
   
So for Shirley, a native of Grove Hill, Jack’s retirement is bittersweet. “There are some meetings, meetings, meetings that I won’t miss,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll enjoy staying home more, but I’ll miss being at the center of things that are going on. There have been so many good memories.”
   
For Shirley, working with Jack meant being involved, whether in the scope of daily duties or filling an empty spot on a committee or special project. 
   
It also meant that she was able to be involved in organizations at the state level, too.
   
She has been actively involved in the Mission Belles, serving twice as president of this association of wives of DOMs, as well as serving as president of the associational clerks conference during the state leadership conference in May.
   
She also served on the State Board of Missions (SBOM) for five years, serving four as secretary and three on the executive committee. “I really did enjoy that,” she said. “You really know what’s going on then.”
   
Gary Hollingsworth, pastor of First Baptist Church, Trussville, and second vice president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, served as chairman of the SBOM during some of Shirley’s time as secretary.
   
He described Shirley as godly, faithful and extremely competent. “Her minutes and record keeping skill is amazing,” Hollings­worth said. “It is obvious when you hang around Shirley she has a servant’s heart and also has a passion and vision for God’s work in the world.”
   
And although retirement will “be really different,” it does not signal the end of Shirley’s involvement in the world around her.
   
She plans to work with the Grove Hill Hospital Auxiliary as well as continuing as an active member of Grove Hill Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir among other activities. 
   
Shirley said being involved and keeping up with people are her two favorite DOM-related activities.
   
“I enjoy the fact of knowing people from all over (Clarke) County, rather than just one church,” she said. “It’s fun to know people and be a part of their lives.