Dr. Wayne Kay Wright

Dr. Wayne Kay Wright, aged 88, a long-time Berrien Springs School District educator, passed away on November 27, 2025, at Woodland Terrace-Niles. Born to Orval and Mildred (Forbush) Wright on May 23, 1937, in Boone County, IN, Wayne grew up as a farm boy enjoying working side by side with his father.

Wayne graduated from Sheridan High School in 1955 and decided that teaching was his calling so he started his pursuit of higher education at Emmanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1959. He went on at Andrews University to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1961, a second master’s degree, Master of Arts in 1975, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in 1981.

As well as academic degrees, he earned professional certifications that included: a permanent teaching certification from the State of Michigan for grades 7-8 & 9-12, a National Certified Counselor from the National Board of Certified Counselors, Int., certification from the State of Michigan as a Certified Social Worker, and education as a trainer of Mediators in Matters of Custody and Visitation.

Wayne's commitment to education was the cornerstone of his professional life. He started his career as an elementary school teacher, became a history teacher at Benton Harbor High School, and later transferred to Berrien Springs, where he ended his career as the Director of Adult Education for the Berrien Springs School District.

Wayne married his beloved wife Hazel Ruth Garner on August 30, 1959 in Hinckley, MN. They had one son, David Wayne Wright, on March 8, 1981, who passed away at age 3 ½.

Wayne and Hazel shared a love of gardening and landscaping creating a beautifully landscaped home where they delighted in entertaining. They also so enjoyed time in Florida that for years they had a second home in The Villages. They also made annual visits at Christmas time to Sanibel Island, their special favorite place in Florida.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, his son, his parents, and sister Hellen. Cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Wayne was a committed Seventh-day Adventist and member of Pioneer Memorial Church. He now awaits the Lord’s Second Coming when he will be united with his Savior and reunited with his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Andrews University School of Education Graduate Student Scholarship Fund or Berrien Springs Area Endowment managed by the Berrien County Foundation in his honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.