Annie L. Bright

  Annie Lois (Burgess) Bright was born to George Burgess and Lucille (Smith) Burgess in Stevens, Georgia.  She moved to New York at the tender age of 12 and finished her education there before moving to Springfield, Massachusetts and meeting her husband, Oscar Bright (deceased).  From that union they have a legacy of three children, Richard P. (and Marcia) Bright, Trina Bright-Sanders, and Muriel S. Bright (deceased).  She also leaves her grandchildren, Amina Barnes Bright, Catrena Sanders, Malcolm Sanders, Terrence “T.J.” Ware Jr., Richard Paul Bright II, Victoria Bright, and Michelle Bright (deceased);  eleven great-grandchildren;  and 1 great-great-grandchild.

  She worked tirelessly in the civil rights movement and worked as a election official for over 50 years.  She also worked at Monson State Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Association of Springfield, Cooperative Extension Services, and lastly, volunteering at the Martin Luther King Jr. Food Bank.

  Mrs. Bright was a devoted member of Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church for over 50 years, which she loved dearly.  She was the Mother of the Church, a praying woman, and a woman who loved the Lord.  She was a loving, caring, and giving person, always serving her community.  She was known as Mrs. Bright, Aunt Lois, Mother Bright, Nana, Banana, Sugar.  All that knew her loved her and respected her.  She will be missed by many members of her family, church, and community.

The calling hour is 10-11 a.m. Friday at Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church, 26 Burr Street, Springfield, followed by funeral services at 11, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

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