Mary "Mozelle" Drinkard

Mozelle was born October 23, 1926, in LaGrange, GA to the late James Stephens Bryant and Mary Eunice Bryant.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Emory P. Drinkard and brother, James Edward Bryant.

Mozelle was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. She was musically inclined and learned to play piano and trumpet early in life. Later, during her teenage years, she played trumpet in the LaGrange All Girls Band and in 1944, she began working as Assistant Band Director for the Callaway Band under Mr. Vanny Sanders. Mozelle later married Emory Drinkard and played trumpet in his orchestra which performed in west Georgia and east Alabama that featured music from the Big Band era. She graduated from LaGrange High School in 1945 where she was elected “Best All Around” of her senior class.

Mozelle went on to work for Callaway Mills as a secretary in the Personnel Department from 1948 to 1968 and for Milliken and Company retiring in 1982. She was a member of the Callaway Mills 25 Year Club. After her retirement there, she worked as secretary for the LaGrange District Office of the United Methodist North Georgia Conference for 15 years before retiring in 1997. Mozelle was a life-long member of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, now Trinity on the Hill Community Church where she served as Church Historian. She was the oldest living member. Mozelle was a woman of strong faith who found solace and joy in her spiritual life. Her unwavering belief in God’s love and grace was a source of inspiration and comfort to her and those around her.

She is survived by her son, Randy Drinkard and his wife Marianna Shibley Drinkard; granddaughter, Andrea Drinkard; grandson, Patrick Drinkard and his wife Carol; great-grandchildren, Connor Drinkard, Aubrey Drinkard and Emory Drinkard.

The Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and the Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00PM in the LaGrange Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. Committal will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Flowers are welcomed or donations can be made to Trinity on the Hill Community Church in Honor of Mozelle.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.