Dorothy was born February 11, 1940 in Caldwell County to the late Argie Philyaw and Louise Crump. She is preceded in death by her husband Dan Walkus, brother Bill Philyaw, stepbrothers Argie “Snook” Philyaw Jr., O.J Philyaw and Richard Philyaw and first husband Peter Frank Draszkiewicz.
She lived her early years in Lenoir until the family moved to Chicago, IL. Throughout her adult life, she lived in several different states. When her husband Dan retired, they moved back to Lenoir where she worked for Cedar Rock Country Club until she moved to Tomball, TX. She worked at Kroger until her retirement in 2013.
Shortly after the death of her husband of 30 years, Dan, she moved to Tomball, TX to live with her daughter Annette and son-in-law Alan. There, she tended her rose and vegetable gardens, went on cruises with Annette, Alan and sister Mary. Fishing, bingo, embroidery and quilting were her favorite past times. She loved spending time with her family and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to bake and cook for family and friends, and her Strawberry Cake, deviled eggs and fried chicken were favorites. She was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Tomball, TX. She loved her puppies and during her last days, Spike was her most ardent protector.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Annette Laird (Alan) of Tomball, TX, son, Frank Draszkiewicz (Jeorgette) of Medford, WI and daughter, Cindy Walkus of Roberts, WI, her sister Mary Sands and brother Ken Philyaw both of Lenoir, NC. Grandchildren - Jacob Draszkiewicz of Charleston, SC, Dannielle Schmidt (Albert) of Shafer, MN, Nicholas Draszkiewicz of Medford, WI, Christina Draszkiewicz of Medford, WI, Samuel Walkus of Roberts, WI and Great Grandchildren Morgan, Cora and Braylen Schmidt of Shafer, MN
The family will receive friends Thursday August 8, 2019 from 6 – 8 pm at Pendry’s Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday August 9, 2019 at 11 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lenoir, NC with the Father Steve Hoyt officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Church hall following burial.
Pall bearers will be Alan Laird, Albert Schmidt, Jacob Draszkiewicz, Keith Philyaw, Ralph Crump and Rick Loftis. Honorary pall bearers will be Josh Loftis, Ryan Loftis, Nicholas Draszkiewicz and Ted Sands.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.
