Jere Wright Tognazzini

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jere Wright Tognazzini, 88, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, on January 8, 2025. A private ceremony with family will be held in her memory. 

Jere led an amazing and accomplished life that began in Paris, Texas with sister, Ann, and parents Jerome “Jeb” Wright and Virginia Ryan Wright. As a young adult in 1956, Jere became the first non-native Miss Hawaii. She went on to earn a BA in Philosophy, and a Masters in Business Administration at UCLA while raising two boys on her own. Jere went on to develop and run her own businesses, including the international manufacturing companies TestSwitch and Powerwright. 

Jere was a bright and curious light. She composed and recorded music; played guitar and concert piano; loved cats, running, bicycling, her family and life! Jere is survived by sons Jerry Lambert and Jerell Lambert, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Elton Tognazzini, and her sister, Anne Wright Collins.