Hilton Head Island Matriarch Who Fought for Ancestral Land Passes Away at 94
ICARO Media Group
In a somber update shared on their Go Fund Me page, the family of Josephine Wright announced the passing of their beloved matriarch. Josephine Wright, the 94-year-old Hilton Head Island woman who gained national attention for her legal battle to protect her family's ancestral land, peacefully transitioned on January 7, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Wright's granddaughter, Charise Graves, expressed the family's heavy hearts and paid tribute to her grandmother's unwavering strength, wisdom, and dedication to justice. The legacy of Josephine Wright, who passed away at the age of 94, will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and community.
For nearly a year, the Wright family utilized their Go Fund Me page as a means of communication with the public during Josephine Wright's legal confrontation with Georgia-based real estate developer, Bailey Point Investment, LLC. The developer had plans to construct a residential development adjacent to the 1.8-acre parcel of land that had been in Wright's husband's family since the Civil War.
The legal battle ensued when Bailey Point sued Wright in February 2023, citing encroachment on their land due to Wright's satellite dish, shed, and screened-in porch. The dispute further delayed the construction of new homes.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Josephine Wright remained determined to protect her property, filing counterclaims against the developer and accusing them of harassment and property damage. Her unwavering stance was driven by her desire to live in peace and tranquility on her cherished land.
Media mogul Tyler Perry, who had been a vocal supporter of Josephine Wright in her fight against the developers, expressed his heartbreak and paid tribute to her on Instagram. Perry had intended to meet Wright in person the following month to present her with the keys to her new home, as he had been helping her after a tree fell and severely damaged her property.
Wright's passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that inspired many. Her funeral is set to be held on January 13 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hilton Head Island.
Josephine Wright's determination to preserve her ancestral land and her unwavering fight for justice will be remembered by her four children, forty grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals who stand up for what they believe in, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.