Valerie Kim Wright

Valerie Kim Wright, M.D., 73, of Waco, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 7, 2017, at Providence Hospital. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 10, 1943, to Grant and Venita Brown. Dr. Wright attended college at the University of Utah and also received her Master’s degree in Anatomy there. She earned her medical degree from Women's College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Valerie married Dr. Robert M. Wright, Jr., on May 7, 1977. They were just one month short of celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary. She was the first woman to attend and complete Baylor College of Medicine residency in plastic surgery; and along with her husband, was one of the first married plastic and reconstructive surgeons to practice together in Texas. Valerie had been a model, ballerina, pianist, skydiver, horseback rider, guitar instructor, loving wife and mother, as well as gifted surgeon. She loved animals and was an accomplished visionary in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Wright was in her last year of general surgery residency when she gave birth to her daughter, A.J., on October 7, 1980. Possessing a strong spirit and drive, Dr. Wright resumed her work a mere week later. She established her independent medical practice with her husband in Waco in 1984. In 1985, she and her husband performed one of the first hand re-plantations in Central Texas. Valerie had her second child, Randy, on May 23, 1985. During her 34 years of practicing medicine in Waco, Dr. Wright touched the lives of countless people and inspired her family and loved ones. Dr. Wright was a fearless pioneer and leader. She thoroughly enjoyed her long and accomplished career. Valerie enjoyed reading, bead-making, knitting, and playing the piano and guitar. Dr. Wright was preceded in death by her loving parents, Grant and Venita Brown. Besides her husband, Robert, Valerie is survived by her children, A.J., M.D. and Randy Wright, attorney-at-law; brother, Marshall and his wife, Yoko Brown, of Elk Grove, California; sisters, Judee and Jill Wright; sister-in-law, Connie Hamilton and her daughter, Chelsea Garcia; and brothers-in-law, Byron and Keith Wright and his wife, Dee. In accordance with her final wishes, no service or memorial is scheduled. She was an organ donor and requested that her remains be cremated. Valerie is sorely missed by her family, friends and loved ones. In memory of her incredible life and achievements, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue, 6321 Airport Rd., Waco, Texas 76708. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.