Annie L. Wright

Annie Laurie Barnard Wright

 The family of Annie Laurie Barnard Wright is deeply saddened to announce her passing on November 12, 2022 at the age of 95 years young, with her family by her side in her home in Damascus.  Our dear mother, aunt, cousin, and friend Annie Laurie was loved by so many and known for her enduring kindness, love of antiques & art, quick wit, devotion to her sons, and genuine care for just about everyone she met.

She was known by everyone as Annie Laurie, was born to the late Colonel Virgil Oates Barnard and Emma Ellis Saunders Barnard, in Kansas City, Missouri on August 22, 1927.  Annie Laurie was the youngest and last surviving sibling of the Barnard family who included Elizabeth Davidson, from Denver Colorado, Ellis Strickler, from Chevy Chase Maryland, Patricia Wilson from Montgomery Village Maryland, and Virgil Oates “Barney” Barnard Jr. from Frankfort, Kentucky. Annie Laurie lived in the same home in Kensington Maryland for over 64 years and moved to Damascus 2016.

Annie Laurie was married for 12 years to her former husband, Robert Keppel Wright, now deceased. Her two sons include William Bayard Wright of Ithaca New York, wife Tamis Shawn Kaplan and their children Callie Kaplan-Wright and Aidan Kaplan- Wright, and Robert Keppel Wright Jr. of Damascus Maryland, wife Dawn Marie Wright, and their children Madison Grace Wright and Tyler Keppel Wright.  She is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews, and friends who she loved dearly.  For 77 years, Annie Laurie remained best friends with her college roommate Jinx Barnard, who continues to thrive today in Frankfort Kentucky. Her friend, cousin, and contemporary Sue Wright, who is still with us, has been close to Annie Laurie ever since childhood. 

Annie Laurie lived in multiple areas of the country including Omaha, Nebraska, Fort Knox Kentucky, Takoma Park Maryland, and Chevy Chase Maryland.  Annie Laurie graduated from Independent High School in Fort Knox Kentucky in 1945 and received a BA in Art History from Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia in 1949.  After a number of years in the private sector, she had a successful 27-year career in the Federal Government at the Bethesda Naval Hospital (currently Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) until she retired in 1994.

Ninety-five years of living is a very long time and Annie Laurie lived it to the fullest.

She was always hopeful, encouraging, and kind.  She was an amazing mother tasked at raising her two young sons during the challenging and difficult times of the 50’s and 60’s. She was selfless, courageous, and fully dedicated to her immediate and extended family, the community, and the arts. She volunteered and supported the Kensington community known as Antique Row and dedicated many years to the Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda Maryland. Annie Laurie loved traveling each year to Bethany Beach with family and over the years traveled across the country, including Hawaii, to visit family and friends.

The most redeeming and ever-present characteristic of Annie Laurie was her kindness. It truly is her legacy. She rarely raised her voice, and she always took the time to listen to those in need.  And even when times were tough, she always had a way of encouraging others despite her hardships. And she was hopeful and ready for the next adventure. One of Annie Laurie Wright’s favorite sayings, which many of her grandchildren have now adopted, is, “You never know what’s going to happen next!”  It was her calling card that announced to all that she’s ready for the next adventure!

And now, our sweet Annie Laurie, has begun her next adventure.  During her last days on this earth when she was exhausted, hurting, she whispered that she was ready to go to heaven.  And despite the incredible loss that we all knew was impending, we not only knew she was serious, we also knew that our heavenly Father, who she loved, would welcome her with open arms.

So, when you think of Annie Laurie, please remember the times when she opened her arms and her home to you and so many, May all of us learn from Annie Laurie to try our best to always be hopeful, encouraging, and loving.

Family and Friends are invited to a celebration of life at: Molesworth-Williams P.A. Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD 20872 Friday November 18, 2022, Gathering 11 am to until services begin at 12: noon. Inurnment will follow at the Damascus United Methodist Church Cemetery 9800 Woodfield Rd, Damascus, MD 20872

Online condolences may be shared with the family at: molesworthwilliams.com

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