Mrs. Nevelin Gooden-Wright

Another brilliant ray was added to Jamaica’s many sunny rays when Nevelin (Gooden) Wright was born in Lime Tree Garden, St. Ann on Aug. 5, 1945 to Madline and Elon Eli Gooden as the second of their fourteen children. Nevelin attended Lime Tree Garden Primary School followed by Buxton High School. She completed her education at secretarial school and was employed as a secretary for several years by John Cook in Kingston.

    Seeking new opportunities, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked in Advertising and Publishing at BellSouth Corporation. With her winning personality and drive, she excelled, becoming a member of the company’s Presidential Golden Club and earning many certificates of merit and awards along the way. Additionally, for her work, she won trips to various destinations with complimentary limousine transportation.

     Aside from her professional life, for 30 years, she was an active member of Central Christian Church in Southwest Atlanta where she was known affectionately known as “Sister Nev.” She was a devoted Sunday School teacher of the Middlers Class and loved to work with all youth. Additionally, she served as Ladies Auxiliary treasurer and was a member of the church choir. Her ability to enthusiastically fundraise and to cook jerk chicken with a unique flair are also among the reasons why she was a popular member at Central. 

     Her commitment to the metro Atlanta community while maintaining ties to her Jamaican roots led to Nevelin being an active member of the Atlanta Jamaican Association. She was active in many capacities in the association including singing with The Sugar Canes, a Jamaican folk singing group.

     Nevelin was married to Anthony Wright with one son Christopher Wright, but she was a second mother to all of her brothers and sisters. She put all of their needs ahead of her own. With her hearty and melodious laugh and kind disposition, she could turn a stranger into a friend in no time. She was also known for her hugs.

     She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. She is survived and missed by brothers Garcia Gooden, Alfred Gooden, Robert Gooden, Casbert Gooden and Ucall Gooden in addition to sisters Joan Gooden, Pauline Shakes, Pearline Brooks and Cardell Sudlow. Her son and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and a grandnephew, friends, church members and more also miss her. The world is a little less bright without Nevelin, but her light is already shining anew in Glory.

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