No stranger to a quip, Waurene Wilson Wright saved her darkest wit until the end. She died in the early morning of October 31—on Halloween! Kicking the bucket on the spookiest day of the year is nothing if not a fitting end. Indeed, Waurene possessed a wicked sense of humor—in addition to a very sweet tooth and a very unique first name.

A voracious reader, Waurene loved a good story well told. Appropriately, those missing and mourning Waurene will have their share of stories to tell about her thoughtfulness, her stubbornness, her cleverness, her tenacity. The mournful include her beloved children, big-hearted Mark and tenderhearted Patti, as well as her unwavering sister Janna. Her adoring nieces and nephews have lost their Aunt 'Rene; her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, friends, and grandchildren have lost a loving relative, loyal friend, and frequent stirrer of the pot.

With Waurene now sadly gone, we'll see whether that ol' pot can stir itself.

She was born in Belton, Georgia, but got to Texas as quick as she could. There, Waurene soon found what we all seek: true and everlasting love. In January of 1957, in Marshall, Texas, Waurene married her soulmate, Lucius Wright, Jr.—from whom, those who knew her can attest, she was rarely apart. In death, he preceded her almost 11 years ago.

Without Lucius, Waurene, truly, was never the same; a part of her went missing. During the past year, Waurene relied increasingly on the dutiful staff of Arabella of Longview. For their exceptional caregiving, Arabella is deserving of endless thanks and gratitude.

In this time of grief, let us take solace in the possibility of, after life, an adoring reunion for Lucius and Waurene. If possible, may she also reunite with sisters Brenda and Barbara; brother Dwight; nephew Dwight; brothers-in-law Ronnie and David; and sister-in-law Ann—all of whom preceded Waurene in death.

While earthbound with Lucius, Waurene raised a family and had the times of her life. The two of them often haunted the riverboat casinos in Shreveport. There, they gambled and caroused, cracking wise and lighting up.

At home, she avidly pursued embroidery and cross-stitch. In fact, she parlayed her sewing interests into gainful employment, working at Hancock Fabrics, in both Longview and Marshall, for many years. In 1997, she retired.

As mentioned, she was a lifelong reader, avid and enthusiastic. A pulpy paperback was never far from her reclining chair. In this chair she also spent many Sunday's enduring—as many of us have—the often-pathetic athletic displays from, as she would say, in her inimitable drawl, "those sorry Cowboys."

And yet! Despite life's—and the Dallas Cowboys'—many disappointments, she was a woman who took her share of pleasure. Food, often, was one. As a cook, she notably whipped up taters 'n wieners, fried crispy, best with Tabasco. And, for dessert, one hell of a chocolate pie. (And maybe a Camel or two.)

Rest in peace, sweet Waurene: a singular name, certainly, and a singular person. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Children's Research at www.stjude.org .