NATCHEZ — Private graveside services for John Elliot Wright, 64, of Baton Rouge, who died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at Natchez Community Hospital, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rowendale Cemetery with the Rev. Elijah Lewis officiating.

Burial will follow under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.

Mr. Wright was born Oct. 26, 1946, in Natchez, the son of Louis and Mamie C. Wright. He was a graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School and was employed by Bulaw Welding and Engineering Company in Chicago. He was retired.

Mr. Wright was a member of the Apostolic Church of God in Christ in Chicago. He was also a U.S. Army veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Sidney, Lewis, Walter, Solomon, Lofty and Richard Wright; and a very dear friend, Mittie M. Jones.

Survivors include four sisters, Gladys Fleming of New York, Myles Ware, Ollie Fletcher and Lillie Fleming, all of Natchez; two nieces who are honorary sisters, Mamie Wright of New York and Arline Hutchins of Baton Rouge; five devoted nieces and nephews, Marshall Fleming of New Orleans, Lloyd Fleming, Ricky McGruder, Priscilla Beasley and Nellie Hawkins, all of Natchez; honorary grandson, Amen Ra Banks; honorary great-grandson, Amir Banks of Chicago; and a number of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.