The co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ died two days before Christmas. Vonette Bright was 89.

"In all of life, she celebrated well and boldly invited others into the kingdom to celebrate with her," reads a tribute posted by the organization, now known in the United States as Cru.

ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

icon to expand image

Credit: Jennifer Brett

She and her husband, the late Bill Bright, founded Campus Crusade for Christ in 1951 on the UCLA campus. The organization is now active on 1,140 campuses nationwide, with more than 63,000 students involved in its ministries. There are chapters at UGA, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University and numerous other college campuses in Georgia, in addition to a number of high schools. (Here's the list).

She also was the force behind the country's National Day of Prayer.

From Bright's obituary:

A public Celebration of Life service is planned for 10 a.m. Jan. 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 106 E. Church St. in Orlando, where Cru is headquartered.

“I gave God all my trust, and He didn’t fail me.” - Vonette Bright, shown with her husband the late Bill Bright.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

icon to expand image

Credit: Jennifer Brett

About the Author

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC