Mrs. Eloise Wright Viera passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, faith, and devotion to her family and the many children whose lives she touched.

Eloise was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, and was a proud graduate of Donelson High School in Tennessee, Class of 1966. She dedicated her entire working career to elementary education, where she found great joy and purpose in teaching children. She loved her students dearly and took great pride in helping them learn, grow, and discover their own potential.

On July 11, 1970, Eloise married the love of her life, Paul. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, memories, and family. The couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to pursue Paul’s education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and where Eloise first began her career in teaching. After Paul’s graduation, the couple moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois, and served as pastor and wife at Primera Iglesia Bautista. Then they moved in 1974 to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they adopted their son Jason. After moving to California and back to New Mexico, they adopted their second son, Nathan, in 1985. In 1987, the family moved to Tennessee, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They initially lived in Memphis, then Nashville, then Portland.

Eloise was a loving and caring woman whose greatest joy was her family. She had a gentle heart and a warm spirit, and she made those around her feel loved and welcomed. She was a woman of faith who especially enjoyed reading the Bible. She also loved reading in general and could often be found visiting the library, surrounded by books and the quiet joy of learning. She enjoyed friendship and fellowship as well and was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, where she shared laughter, companionship, and special moments with others.

Those who knew Eloise will remember her for her loving nature, her devotion to her family, her compassion for children, her faith, and her simple appreciation for the things that brought joy to everyday life. Her influence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Eloise's life was a blessing to many, and her memory will be cherished always.

Eloise is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lila Wright, and a brother, Phillip Barry Wright. She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Adoniram Viera; sons Jason Michael Viera (Amanda) and Nathan Paul Viera; grandchildren Corey Linden Wood and Nicholas Michael Viera; siblings Allen Michael Wright and Glenda Sue Wright; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Please join the family in celebrating Eloise’s life on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Portland, Tennessee. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a celebration of life service to follow.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sumner Funeral and Cremation, 615-452-9059, www.sumnerfuneral.com