Jill Elizabeth (Wright) Battistelli

Jill Elizabeth Wright Battistelli, age 69, resident of Oakland, Tennessee and wife of Michael Battistelli, departed this life Friday morning, January 5, 2024 at her home.  

Jill was born October 29, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Theron Edwin “Jeff” Wright and Dorothy Ioan Foster Wright. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in Memphis and was married September 22, 2005, to Michael Battistelli. Jill was employed at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis for 20 years in the General Accounting Department and was recognized Employee of the Year.  

Jill grew up as a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Whitehaven, which was designed by her father who was the architect for the Church, Convent and Bishop Byrne High School. She was most recently a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee and was an active volunteer in the community, especially working with Fayette Cares assisting with victims of domestic abuse and the homeless. Jill began dancing with McMillan and Thompson dance studio at the age of 3 but spent the majority of her 15 years of tap dancing with the Barbara Koehler Dancers. Jill, who enjoyed painting and gardening, was also a sweet friend to many of her life-long friends from her younger years and high school. The home she shared with her husband Michael was decorated with her personal works of painting for which she had a passion.  

Jill is survived by her husband, Michael Louis Battistelli of Oakland, TN; her sister, Joni Wright Perry (Gordon) of Raleigh, NC; six nieces, Tia Wright-Gilbert, Paige Perry, Lynn Shikles, Kelli Barksdale-Johnson, Blake Griffin and Courtney Griffin; six nephews, Jeffry Perry, Jay Battistelli, Gene Battistelli, Chris Barksdale, Marshall Hamrick and Ryan Hamrick; and many cousins. She also is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Toni Anderson (Rusty) and Ann Hamrick (Greg). Jill also leaves behind her beloved Yorkies, Bailey and Stella. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffry Foster Wright.  

Funeral Services for Jill were held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with Father James “Jim” Martell officiating.  

The family requests that memorials be directed to St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 11710 U.S. Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068, or charity of your choice.