*The ninety-four-year-old South Carolina woman who was fighting developers over property that’s been in her family since the end of the Civil War has passed away.
Josephine Wright caught Tyler Perry’s attention while battling the Town of Hilton Head Island to keep her family property.
As we reported previously via CNN, Wright and her late husband, Samuel Wright Sr., moved from New York to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, nearly 30 years ago to seek peace and relaxation on a family-owned property.
Wright acquired the deed to the land in 2012 after her husband died in 1998. The beloved land is at the center of a legal battle with a property developer looking to build a residential development next door.
According to The Post and Courier, Georgia-based Bailey Point Investment, LLC plans to construct 147 homes.
As of 2014, Bailey Point Investment reportedly owns the land surrounding Wright’s 1.8-acre property. The company tried to buy Wright’s residence a few years back, offering just $39,000, but she rejected it, according to USA TODAY.
Wright countersued the company, and that’s when she caught Perry’s attention, who vowed to build her a new five-bedroom home on the land, TMZ reported.
AFROTECH reports that after a tree fell on Wright’s home and left two holes, Perry built a new home for the great-great-grandmother.
The movie mogul hit up social media to share his condolences for Wright’s passing this week.
“I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of this warrior. Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans,” Perry explained in a post on Instagram. “My prayer is that you rest in peace knowing that I will honor the commitment that I made to you. I know you will be watching over us all as I hand those same keys to your family.”
He added, “So your 4 children, 40 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren will still be able to gather at YOUR house on YOUR land and tell the world what kind of fighter that you were. You have run your race and fought an incredible fight! Journey well my dear lady. You have inspired me.”
Wright passed away on Jan. 7. In a letter to the community, Wright’s family announced: “It is with heavy hearts that the Wright Family announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Mrs. Josephine Wright, who peacefully transitioned on January 7, 2024, surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers,” reads the letter.
“Her legacy as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and commitment to justice will forever remain etched in our hearts,” the family continued.
READ MORE: Tyler Perry Building Home for South Carolina Woman, 93, Fighting Developer
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
