Mary Geneva “Jenny” Hackney Wright left this world for her heavenly home on Sunday, March 6. She was born on February 11, 1929 in Watauga County, North Carolina to Roby and Erma (Martin) Wallace. Geneva was the 8th of nine children. She graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1948. While working in a diner as a waitress in nearby Mountain City, Tennessee she met a young man, William Bill Hackney who would eventually sweep her off her feet and marry her. They were married November 11, 1950 and set up a small farm. Their first child, Gary was born in October 1951 in Boone. In early 1952 Bill and Geneva moved to Pennsylvania with their new baby boy. In Pennsylvania Bill began a job working in a factory which manufactured springs for car seats. Their second child Johnny was born in Lancaster in 1954. The company Bill worked for was growing and expanding and in 1956 established a new factory in Vincennes, Indiana. Bill was asked to go and see if he would be interested in helping with the new endeavor there. After visiting the new factory, he returned to Pennsylvania and told Geneva they were moving. Upon arriving in Vincennes, the family lived at the Kum Back Inn while Bill worked his new job and sought a suitable place to make a home for his family. In 1957 Cindy was born. Having a baby girl in the family added some sugar and some spice to the family. Bill and Geneva became active members of the Free Methodist Church where they worshiped and served. They were very faithful in their church attendance and service. It was at the church where Geneva began being referred to as “Jenny”. The nickname stuck. Bill and Jenny spent free time and vacations by returning back to North Carolina and Tennessee to visit family and friends. Usually, the time spent during the southern visits were divided between the homes of their aging parents. They continued their trips south for many years. In 1965 the fourth child of Bill and Jenny was born. They named him Darren. Darren added much joy to the family, and because he was younger was immediately spoiled by all. In the mid 1960’s Jenny decided to begin a babysitting service in her home. She took the children of fellow church members, co-workers of Bill’s and others who needed childcare during the work day. This new influx of kids gave Gary, John, Cindy and Darren a set of pseudo siblings to play with and enjoy. Many of those relationships endure to this day. When Darren began grade school Jenny took a job as school cook at Vigo Elementary where all four children had attended and was within walking distance for Jenny since she did not drive. Being an excellent cook, the job was a natural fit. Jenny worked at Vigo in the kitchen until the new Lincoln High School opened in 1988. She moved there to be a “lunch lady” until her retirement. She established many friendships and entertaining stories through her time as a school cook. Jenny began watching and caring for her grandkids in her retirement years. She never met a baby, toddler or young child she didn’t love. She had a knack for rocking and singing many babies and kids to sleep at nap or bed time. In 2002 after a good day of babysitting grandkids, working in the yard and going out for supper Bill had a massive heart attack and died at Good Samaritan. Jenny, and the entire family were devastated. Jenny lived alone, leaning on her church and her church friends for support. In 2009 she met Paul Wright who had recently lost his wife. Jenny and Paul were married on May 1, 2010. They had several good years together until Paul’s passing in 2018. Jenny lived her last few years with assistance from her family and friends.
At the age of 93 Jenny passed peacefully into the presence of God on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Mary Geneva “Jenny” Wallace Hackney Wright was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Jack, Argus, R.L. Kermit and Billy and her sisters Edith and EllaMae. One sister Mabel (101 years) survives. She is also survived by her children Gary (Michelle) Hackney, John (Sharon) Hackney, Cindy (Mark) Cullison and Darren Hackney and his fiancé, Jennifer. Also 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
The family is very appreciative of the extra attention and care provided by the staff and clinicians of Fox Ridge Manor, Willow Manor Nursing Home and Good Samaritan Hospice. Funeral services will be at The Free Methodist Church 1423 N. 4th Street on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 beginning with visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 followed by the funeral service at 1:00. Pastor Trevor Murry will officiate and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online memories may be shared with Jenny’s family at www.goodwinsievers.com.
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, Vincennes, IN is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Jenny. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Free Methodist Church or the Bill and Jenny Hackney Family Fund through the Community Foundation of Knox County.
