60th Anniversary of the CRWLC

TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE

the community. Inspired by the camera he received as a Christmas present in 8th grade, Webley aspired to become a photographer in 1979. He took com- munity photography courses. The Organizer Newspaper and eventually the Grand Rapids Press hired him as a newspaper freelancer in 1984. In 1989, he left teaching to work full time at the Grand Rapids Press. His specialty was photographing professional and big col- lege sports. He went back to teaching in 1991 but continued to work for the Press part-time, a career that spanned nearly 25 years. In 2019, Noel received the Dr. MaLinda Sapp Legacy Award for his leadership to ongoing diversity efforts and accomplishments. Webley was associated with efforts in 1968 by other Kappas in Grand Rapids to charter a chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in the city later which occurred in 1972. Brother Noel A. Webley II was preced- ed by his parents' death; brother, Victor Webley; and sister, Lynden Smith. He is survived his loving wife of 41 years, Pamela; children, Noel Webley III; Jason (Leonor) Webley; Erin (fiance, Paul Miller); Kerel (Keyona) Webley; 10 grandchildren, Amelia, Zana, Nola, Ja- son, Ann Marie, Jayden, Kiara, Kaliyah, Naomi, and Kai; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Dale (Debra) Webley, Lance Webley, and Maria Webley, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Overton V. Wright, Jr. 1966-2021 Educator Affectionately known as "O.V"., Overton V. Wright, Jr. (Delta Sigma

Chi 1978), a sister, four grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews. Submitted by Rodney Robinson

graduated in 1984 from Whitehaven High School in Memphis, TN. He at- tended DeVry University in Irving, TX, where he earned in 1988 a B.S. degree in electronics engineering technology. After graduating from DeVry, Wright worked for Allied Signal Bendix in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In 1993 he relocated to Atlanta, GA and worked for Georgia Institute of Technology. He later worked for Bell South Advertising and Publish- ing Corporation as a System Analyst. In 2002, Wright changed professions and transitioned to education in the DeKalb County (GA) School System, where he worked initially as a middle school math teacher. He taught for several years before becoming a school administrator. His last position was Assistant Principal at Cedar Grove High School, where he loved his students and encouraged them to succeed. Wright was a member of the Decatur (GA) Alumni Chapter. He also held memberships at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, Unity of Faith Church in Stone Mountain, GA, and later at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope) in Decatur, GA. One of Wright's colleagues, "Mr. Wright was my supervisor and a great admin- istrator to work with for the past two years. Mr. Wright always led by example and gave sound advice to students and teachers. He was an asset to our school and community. I am still in shock that he's gone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Brother Overton V. Wright, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Robert and Alberta Rudd; his Great-Grandmother, Ora Lee McK- night; and his maternal aunt, Edna Mae McKever. He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Treva, son, Overton III (Trey) and daughter Nia Simone Wright; sister, Donna (Mason) Reed; brother, Overton DeWayne (Carolyn) Wright; and a host of relatives, close friends, col- leagues, and former students.

Noel Webley, II 1945-2021 Educator, Muscian, Photographer

Noel "Nino" Web- ley (Gamma Beta 1966) entered the Chapter Invisible on February 19, 2021, at age 75. Noel Arnold We- bley II was born to Noel Arnold Sr. and Ruth (nee

Joseph) Webley on December 25, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended St. Andrews Catholic Elementary and then graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1963, where he participated in track and field, football, and cross country. He graduated from the former Grand Rapids Junior College in 1965, then transferred to Western Michigan University (WMU) where he pursued a career in art education. After graduating from WMU in 1967, Webley began teaching in the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) at Burton Junior High. He was eventually assigned to Ottawa Hills High School and appointed head of the art depart- ment. There he worked with three other teachers to develop an innovative art curriculum that served 600 students per day and included various art genres. He intentionally helped students express themselves through art and encouraged young people to trust their artistic abili- ties. Noel retired from GRPS in 2001, after 34 years of service. In addition to art, Noel was also interested in music and photography from a young age. In 1972, he began performing jazz at his father's nightclub, playing the bass and played with various local musicians. After retiring from the GRPS, he focused more on his musical career and created several bands that performed all around

1986) entered the Chapter Invisible on July 27, 2021. Overton Vertis Wright, Jr. was born on April 18,

1966, in Memphis, TN, to Norma Lou- ise Wright and famed Memphis-based Bluesman Overton (O.V.) V. Wright Sr. Wright played football, basketball, baseball and ran track in his youth. He

72 | FALL 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL

PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT FOR MORE THAN 110 YEARS

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