Community Members Remembered for Their Contributions

News Summary

The Laurens community mourns the loss of two beloved members, Judy Revis Creswell and John Laurens Wright, Jr. Both individuals left a profound impact on their families and local friends. Judy Creswell, 75, passed away, remembered for her love of animals and involvement with the humane society. John Wright, 92, was an esteemed veteran and passionate family man, celebrated for his contributions to community and family alike. Their legacies will forever be cherished by those who knew them.

Laurens, South Carolina — Two notable community members, Judy Revis Creswell and John Laurens Wright, Jr., have passed away, leaving a significant impact on their families and local friends.

Judy Revis Creswell, aged 75, died on Sunday, May 18, 2025, while at her son’s home. Born on November 17, 1949, in Williamston, South Carolina, Creswell was the daughter of the late Clifton Revis and Sara Nell Heaton Jefferson. She is survived by her husband, James T. “Tommy” Creswell, and her three children: Todd Creswell (partner Matt Pennington), Shannon Creswell (partner Sheri), and Lee Creswell (partner Jeff Ellisor). Judy was a proud grandmother to Thomas “Te” Tinsley (partner Allison Nelson), Sean P. Creswell, Taylor Godfrey (partner Nathan), and Connor Creswell (partner Summer Leigh), as well as great-grandmother to Aiden Creswell, Russ Tinsley, Renlee Shipp, and Rowan Shipp.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday and Wednesday at Todd’s home, located at 619 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Laurens, SC 29360. A private memorial service will be planned for a later date. In honor of Judy’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Laurens County Humane Society or the ASPCA. Condolences can be expressed through Gray Funeral Home’s website.

John Laurens Wright, Jr. passed away at the age of 92 on January 28, 2025. He was born on December 9, 1932, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late John Laurens Wright, Sr. and Jane MacMillan Wright. John leaves behind his wife, Allene Keith Wright, along with children John Laurens Wright, III (partner Lucy), Elizabeth Wright Mayo (partner Spencer), and William G. Wright, Sr. (partner Missy). He is also survived by grandchildren Henry Mayo, Grainger Wright, Joshua Wright, Lauren Wright, and Sarah Wright, as well as siblings Jane Wright and Helen Redwine (partner Craig) and nine nieces and nephews.

Preceding John in death were his parents, first wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Burney Wright, brother Henry MacMillan Wright, and grandson Spencer Mayo. John was educated at Eastover Elementary, Country Day School, and Darlington School, where he received the Sportsman Award. He later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the SAE fraternity.

John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War at the RAF base Brize Norton in England. He spent much of his career working on the family egg farm and in various positions at Pilot Life Insurance Co. and Hercules/Hercafina/Cape Industries, retiring in 1994. Known for his passion for the Tar Heels, John was a dedicated fan, as well as an avid angler and body surfer. He was a licensed captain and had a great love for the ocean.

A memorial service in celebration of John’s life is set for Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Andrew Mortuary Market Chapel in Wilmington, North Carolina, with visitation starting an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cameron Art Museum or another charity of choice are appreciated.

The local community remembers both Judy and John for their contributions and the warmth they brought to those around them. Their legacies will be cherished by family and friends for years to come.

In other news, the weather forecast for Laurens on May 20, 2025, indicates cloudy skies in the morning that will transition to partly cloudy conditions by the afternoon. There is a possibility of a stray shower or thunderstorm, with a high temperature of 86°F. Winds will remain light and variable throughout the day. Overnight, cloudy skies are expected, with temperatures dropping to a low of 69°F and winds coming from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

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