Obituary of Ernestine Raquel Wright

Ernestine aka “Raki” transitioned on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Raquel was born in Boston, Mass on June 3, 1953, the first child to the late Earnest and Viola Wright. Growing up in the South End of Boston, she attended St. Cyprian’s Episcopal church in Boston. As a young girl Raquel attended the Asa Gray and Prince elementary schools, Dearborn Middle, Brookline High School and Curry College. In high school she enjoyed playing girl’s basketball and held a guard position on the team. At the renowned Billie Pope Dance School she trained in ballet and then taught ballet and interpretive dance in the 70’s. Raquel performed as a lead dancer with the Billie Pope dance company. She also inspired several of her childhood girlfriends to join her in the dance company. Thus, introducing these young ladies to the world of dance, artful expression and performance at various venues including Elma Lewis’ Playhouse in the Park at Franklin Park in Dorchester and New York’s Lincoln Center. After high school she went on to accomplish her goal of becoming a makeup artist and licensed esthetician. She was the 1st African American woman to graduate from the famous Elizabeth Grady School on Newbury Street in Boston. She simply loved this profession and enjoyed telling you just what you needed to “beautify” yourself. Complimenting her profession, she also delighted in the artistry of fashion and decorative design. Raquel exhibited strong leadership qualities and advanced in her career to manage retail beauty departments. “Raki” never hesitated to behave like a “Boss!" A one-of-a-kind sister with many circles of friends, lovingly touching the lives of everyone she met. “Raki” had a naturally beautiful and captivating smile, lighting up the room upon her entrance… RED…please, no one could wear the color red…like her! And we all know her music of choice for dancing was especially her beloved, “James Brown”! We can hear her now, “Tell them to play James Brown!!” She loved to cook and entertain and was known for her signature potato salad and adding her gourmet flair to all her delicious specialties. Raquel was generous in spirit and kindness, always sharing effortlessly and without measure. It was like Christmas all year round, she always had a “gift bag” with items that were “just for you!” The special bond with her only child and son, Soheil Wright, shines through as it has created a family legacy of love and compassion which continues to grow in him as a man sharing his own special style of gifts in this community. Raquel looked at life through a different lens, with warmth and uniqueness, shaping her son, Soheil, into an exceptional man and loving father. She leaves to mourn: her son, Soheil Wright, granddaughter, Soliyah Raquel Wright. Predeceased by her grandson, Soheil Turner, brother, Ernest Wright, sister, Elva Bembury, brother, Arthur Williams aka “Nip Nip.” Also leaving a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Also the circle of sister friends who carry on her loving legacy: Ann Luster, Brenda Strouble, Darlene Gray, Debbie Lamar, Dianne Bivins, Janet (Carter) Uzoma, Lorien (Lolo) Powell and Wanda Turner. From Soheil: Mommy, you were tough as nails but also sweet as pie. I appreciate how you taught me to be self-sufficient at an early age….that it’s a doggy dog world out here and to stand tall whatever I do. So that is EXACTLY what I’m going to do! Your Baby Boy will be OK. Don’t worry. I got it from here! Our Beloved "Raki" has not only touch the hearts of the ones that knew her but she also touch the lives of so many others in her passion to "Beautify". As a community, we would like to ask you to join us as we pick up her baton and start donating love beyond our finger tips, therefore in lieu of flowers, please send your expressions of love to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. Simply click the donations tab on the left-hand side of the obituary page to participate in our mission to uphold Our Beloved's Legacy.