The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica is mourning the passing of Dr. Lunett Louise Wright, veteran educator, administrator and founding principal of the Savanna-la-mar High and Preparatory School, who died on January 12, 2026 at the age of 96.
Born on April 18, 1929, in Cambridge, St. James, to Rufus and Rebecca Wright, Dr. Wright’s life was marked by a commitment to Christian education and community service. From an early age, she embraced the Adventist faith and devoted herself to academic excellence and ministry.
Dr. Wright attended Cambridge Elementary School and later completed her secondary education in Kingston. She earned a Diploma in Education in 1956 and then obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Indies College, now Northern Caribbean University. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Education and completed additional advanced studies, eventually earning a Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her contribution to education.
Her professional journey spanned several decades and institutions. After spending her early years in the classroom, Dr. Wright felt called to expand Adventist education in western Jamaica. In 1967, she became the founding principal of the Savannah-la-Mar High and Preparatory School. Under her leadership, it grew steadily, serving generations of students across Westmoreland and surrounding communities. Dr. Wright was determined in securing land for the school’s relocation and expansion. Through her leadership, the West Jamaica Conference sanctioned the acquisition of the property in Savannah-la-Mar, where the institution continues to operate today.
In 1977, following her husband Pastor Ernie R. Wright’s appointment as Secretary of the West Jamaica Conference, the family relocated to Montego Bay. There, Dr. Wright served as teacher and principal of Harrison Memorial High School for thirteen years. During her tenure, she distinguished herself through innovation and administrative leadership, upgrading facilities and introducing modern science laboratories and even a typing lab.
In 1984, she was appointed principal of Kingsway High School in East Jamaica Conference. During her service in East Jamaica, she also served as Education Director and Women’s Ministries Director. Dr. Wright was named treasurer of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association and was a member of the Education Board for Independent Schools. Throughout her career, Dr. Wright was deeply involved in church and community life, serving on various boards including the General Board of Harmony in the Homes Movement and the West Indies College Board.
Though she retired from active service in 1999, her ministry did not end. She continued to mentor, advise, and support educational initiatives.
Over the years, Dr. Wright received numerous awards recognizing her contribution to Christian education and faithful service. Among them were the 2005 Outstanding Contribution to Christian Education Award presented by Cave Seventh-day Adventist Church; the 1995 Service Award for 38 years of service presented by Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Church; and multiple long-service awards from the West Indies Union Conference and Jamaica Independent Schools Association.
In 2003, she received a Founder Award for establishing the Savannah-La-Mar Preparatory School. In 2012, she was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Adventist Education in Jamaica Award, and in 2026, she was recognized with a Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service in acknowledgment of her 57 years of dedication to education in Jamaica.
Her colleagues remember her as a disciplined visionary who was committed to academic excellence and Christian character formation. Her former students recall her firm leadership, moral guidance, and personal investment in their growth. She was predeceased by her husband, Pastor Ernie R. Wright, Pastor, Executive Secretary and President of West Jamaica Conference.
She was a mother of three children, grandmother to four and great grandmother to nine. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica celebrates her life. The legacy of Dr. Lunett Louise Wright, continues through the institutions she helped to build and the countless lives she has influenced.