Eleanor Wright's career spanned nearly 50 years in journalism and public relations. She received B.S. and M.S. degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. As Eleanor Straub, she began her career in 1945 as a member of the Society Department of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. From 1950-60, Elly Wright wrote a column of the Webster News Times. She then joined the staff of Bark's Publications as associate editor of the Electrical Apparatus Service magazine and editor of the Theta Xi fraternity magazine, the Unicorn. In 1975, she edited the St. Louis County Observer. Moving to Detroit in 1977, Mrs. Wright helped found the public relations department for Lawrence Institute of Technology (now Lawrence Technological University), then became a roving editor for the Observer-Eccentric newspapers. In 1979, she joined the faculty of the English department at Eastern Michigan University, where she helped establish the journalism major and initiated the Interdisciplinary Program in Public Relations, which became a major in 1986. She instituted a comprehensive internship program with the assistance of the Detroit Chapter of PRSA. Mrs. Wright retired as associated professor in 1993 and was named to the Hall of Fame of the Detroit chapter PRSA in 2011.
An active member of Women in Communications and the League of Women Voters for 60 years," Elly also served as co-leader of two Girl Scout troops in the 1950s and 1960s. She then became Chair of the District 6 Girl Scout Council of Eastern Missouri. As Bicentennial P.R. chair for the St. Louis Girl Scout Council, she led a troop of girls to raise the flag at the nation's bicentennial celebration in Busch stadium, assisted by her husband representing the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, she served as Field Director for the American Field Service International student exchange program in the 1950s. And was a member of the Webster YMCA Board in 1972. Elected to the Westwood School Board in Detroit, she served two terms. In 2000, she began writing the history of the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church for its 2016 sesquicentennial celebration.
She is survived by her husband James A. Wright of Laclede Groves in Webster, two daughters Carol Whitton (Tom) and Betsy Tomlin, both of Fenton, and two grandsons Cory Whitton of Knoxville, TN, and Troy Whitton of Fenton.
Visitation will be at Gerber Chapel, 23 West Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves, Thursday evening from 4-8 PM. A private burial will occur at Forever Oak Hill Cemetery on Friday. A memorial service will be held on Friday 15 November at 2 PM in the chapel at the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 West Lockwood. In lieu of flowers contributions may be by check made out to EMU (Eastern Michigan University), for the Eleanor S. Wright chapter of PRSSA, and sent c/o Lolita Carson Cummings, 603h Pray Herrold Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
November 26, 2013
Janice Denham
On behalf of the Missouri Professional Communicators (National Federation of Press Women), our sympathy on the loss of a dear woman and accomplished professional. Elly was a dear member, always willing to share her skills and experience at events, meetings and as a judge in our communications contest. We have missed her sweet presence in the last few years and know her family and friends certainly will miss her care and thoughtfulness. She leaves a positive mark on our world and in our memory.
November 20, 2013
Roderick Means
When I was a new school board member 17 years ago, I will always remember your kind words and advice. Our prayers are with your family.
November 14, 2013
Jim
Sorry for your loss you have my sympathy.
Sincerely
Bob Zahnweh {lunch companion with Jack Hoffman}
November 12, 2013
Renée Ahee
To Jim and Elly's entire family, I wish to express my deep condolences for the loss of a pioneer. Elly was an inspiration and a guide to many women -- and men -- in journalism, public relations and communications. She was an effective and caring teacher and mentor. I was honored to have known and worked with her over the years. May her memory be eternal!
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