Tyler Perry Grieves the Loss of 'Warrior' Josephine Wright

Josephine Wright, the 94-year-old "warrior" who made headlines in 2023 for her legal battle with Hilton Head Island land developers to keep her family's property has passed away.

Through a GoFundMe, Wright was able to raise more than $366,000 to assist with her legal fees. Actor and producer Tyler Perry was in the process of having another house built for Wright and her family at the time of her passing. He took to social media to share his grief and a tribute to the woman who "inspired" him.

Perry, who was in the development phase of building Wright and her family a brand-new home, took to Facebook to share his grief on hearing about Wright's passing.

"I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of this warrior, Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans," he wrote. "My prayer is that you rest in peace knowing that I will honor the commitment that I made to you. I know you will be watching over us all as I had those same keys to your family."

He continued to say that her four children, 40 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren will be able to "gather at YOUR house on YOUR land and tell the world what kind of fighter that you were."

He concluded his post by sharing that Wright "fought an incredible fight" and she has "inspired" him.

Thousands of messages of condolences and support flooded the comment section of Perry's post.

"I’m soooooo glad she was able to know that she had won THIS fight and that her family would always be able to gather on their land and their house there after she went to be with the Lord. Thank you, Tyler Perry for doing something many of wish we could have," one person shared.

Another added, "Rest well Ms. Wright. You were an inspiration to us. Mr. Tyler Perry, you are amazing! You are a super hero! This post has truly touched me. Thank you for setting an example by making and keep your word."

Many others also wrote about how heartbroken they are to hear of her passing and thanked Perry for sticking to his word and helping out the family.

On Monday, Wright's family shared the news of her passing on the GoFundMe page that received so much love and attention.

"It is with heavy hearts that the Wright Family announces the passing of our beloved matriarch, Mrs. Josephine Wright, who peacefully transitioned on January 7th, 2024, surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers. Her legacy as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and commitment to justice will forever remain etched in our hearts," they emotionally wrote.

"As we navigate through the profound sadness of this loss, we find solace in knowing that Mrs. Wright's spirit lives on through the Josephine Wright Foundation," they continued. "From the bottom of our hearts, we express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love, condolences, and acts of kindness. Your solidarity during this period of grief has touched our family profoundly."

For anyone interested in attending her service, it will be held on January 13 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The family will provide a link to the virtual service for anyone wishing to attend virtually. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love, condolences, and acts of kindness," they added.