Jill Marie Wright, our vivacious and loquacious soul, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, passing away peacefully in the arms of her loving husband, Tom Wright, at their home in Little Hollywood, Florida. She was 62 years old.
The daughter of the late Bentley (Rock) and Gary Becker, Jill was born on March 20, 1963, in Saginaw, Michigan.
The curly-haired youngster developed an affinity for gab early, a precursor to the social skills that served her well personally and professionally as she matured into a beautiful, educated woman. Jill graduated from Saginaw Eisenhower High School in 1981. There she was, a two-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball as a member of the Commanders’ 1980 Class B Girls’ State Volleyball Championship squad.
Following graduation, she attended Michigan State University before her adventurous spirit led her to transfer to the University of Houston. At the U of H, Jill graduated from the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Hospitality Management.
Moreover, during her college days, Jill formed lasting friendships that endured to this day.
Following college, the organized and ambitious graduate soon found herself on the fast track to executive success in the hospitality industry. Jill worked at prestigious properties such as The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Palmer House in Chicago, and The Hilton in Southfield (MI), among other exclusive resorts.
But it was her stint in Southfield that would forever change the course of her life. That’s where she met another up-and-coming hotshot in the hospitality industry who was also on the rise in his own right: Tom Wright, a Chicago native with big dreams and a plan to make it happen.
The two fell in love, and growing weary of the harsh, gray northern winters, Tom, ever the smooth-talking salesman, convinced Jill to uproot and move to Florida with him in 1987.
The couple made it official on April 22, 1995, marrying in a storybook setting in the Bahamas.
Their big Florida adventure began in West Palm Beach, but it truly took shape in 2000 when they moved to Little Hollywood. The couple ingratiated themselves into the tight-knit, small community in a way that only they could. They hosted countless gatherings filled with food, fun, and frivolity. Whether the always lavish gatherings centered on a big sporting event, a holiday, birthdays, or just because it was time the gang got together, the Wrights sure knew how to throw a party. Jill loved Christmas, and her home always reflected the joy of the holiday season.
It invariably requires someone to take the lead to keep family and friends together, and the ever-gracious and generous hosts, Jill and Tom Wright, were that couple.
Jill rarely forgot friends’ and family members’ birthdays, showering them with treats and gifts. They marveled at what the “Baking Queen” could whip up in her well-appointed kitchen. Her creative baking skills were later put to professional use after Tom purchased Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant. It was at this quintessential Southern diner that Jill dazzled customers with her delightful baked goods, many of which were holiday-themed but always made with meticulous skill and a heap of love.
The mark of a life well lived may be defined by the number of people it has touched in its short time on this earth. The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from Jill’s friends and family across this great country.
In Tommy, Jill was extremely blessed to find a guy who truly took his marital vows seriously. The family thanks him for his never-wavering, caring attitude and fierce loyalty to his bride.
Jill was predeceased by her parents, Gary and Bentley (Rock) Becker. She is survived by two brothers, Jon Becker and Jason Becker, and a sister, Jan (Janice) Becker.
Final arrangements are being handled by Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian. A memorial is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home.
At the request of Jill, cremation has taken place.
The family asks that memorial contributions be sent to your favorite charity. Better yet, if there is a family member or another loved one that life circumstances have distanced you from, reach out to them today and tell them that you love them.
It’s now official: social hour has begun in heaven.
