Essie Bright

March 24, 1942 - February 11, 2021

Essie Bright, 78, of Abilene, formerly of Par Village, passed away Thursday February 11, 2021.  In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice of the giver.   Essie was born March 24, 1942, in Lake City, Florida, to William Charles and Stella (Wheeler) Norris. Her education included, graduation from Abilene High in 1961; McMurry University, Bachelor of Science in Education; University of North Texas, Supervision Education; Texas Woman’s University certification in Special Education; and classes from University of Texas. Essie was employed several years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Reservation in Arizona and Eskimo in Alaska, followed by the Texas Youth Commission for 24 ½ years working in Gainesville and Brownwood. Essie married Charles Bright, Jr. on December 25, 1987, in Lake Tahoe, California. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and woodworking. She had traveled nearly all the states, throughout Canada, and spent a couple of months in Europe (Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).  After retiring, she and Charles built a new home in Par Village and enjoyed playing golf. Essie is survived by son, Richard Dale Sparks and daughter-in-law Teri Sparks of Arlington; daughter, Angela Howell and son-in-law Kevin Howell of Abilene; grandchildren, Jeremy, McKinzie, and Megan Sparks and Justin and Jon Howell; granddaughter-in-law Rachel Howell, great grandchildren Davien Gomez and Ira Howell.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years Charles Bright, Jr.; parents, William and Stella Norris, sister Alice Norris, brother Steve Norris.