Merita "Rita" Lilley Wright

Merita (Rita) Lilley Wright age 85, passed unexpectedly at the UT Medical Center on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was an awesome woman, mother and partner. Her personality was magnetic with a kind presence that drew many everywhere she went.

Rita originated from the Brimstone Community Robbins, Tennessee on 21 July 1940. As a young adult, she made her way to Ohio and retired from Fram Mfg. For the last thirty plus years she has resided in Oneida, TN and met her loving mate and partner, expanding her cherished family. Rita was an enormous Country Music Supporter and personally assisted many Headline Acts during their careers. She had a strong drive and involvement within the National Bluegrass community, volunteering time and home cooking to many of the events and attendees within the state and beyond. Rita was an active member of the Second Bethlehem Baptist Church in Winfield, Tennessee.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother Vicie Griffith and brother Howard Griffith.

Rita is survived by her partner/husband Mac Wright, her son Larry Joe and Gwen Lilley, daughter Tammy (Lilley) Foureman, Tammy Wright, Carl and Anita Wright, Woby and Stacy Wright, Coy and Lori Wright. A special niece Scherry Griffith. Grandchildren: Jessie Beth and Josh Miller, Nicole Lilley, Megan Pierce, Caroline Louthian, Grace Wright, Jake and Amy Wright, Alex and Olivia Wright, Courtney and Jonathan O'Neal, Shawn and Sarah Wright, Jordan Wright and Breanna Wright, along with many special great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rita's family would like to make a heartfelt mention to the professional and kind Emergency Responders (both ground and air), the working staff at the UT Medical Center ER, Neuro ICU, and Comfort Care Units. Special thanks for the visits, text and media support during her stay at the medical center.

Friends may visit with the Lilley family on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home with her son, Larry Joe Lilley officiating.

Committal service will follow in the Lone Mountain Cemetery in Brimstone, TN.

In Lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to: Blazin' Bluegrass at P.O. Box 83, Whitley City, Kentucky 42653

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Merita (Rita) Lilley Wright.

Obituary courtesy of McCreary County Funeral Home.