Kathryn Elizabeth Palmer Dreux

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathryn Elizabeth Palmer Dreux (“aka Ma, Kathy, Grandmommy, Aunt Kathy, Mrs. Dreux”), who left us peacefully at the age of 85 after a short illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose love, kindness, and vivacious spirit touched the lives of many. Her loss will continue to be greatly missed for many years to come, but her essence will live on through all those she blessed with her smile, endless love, guidance, wisdom, and support.

Born on March 14, 1939 at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington DC, Kathryn was the third child and first-born daughter of Jesse Elizabeth and Charles Julius Palmer. Kathryn spent the bulk of her formative years growing up on Irving Street in Northwest DC, with her parents; older brothers, Charles Jr. and Adrian, and younger sister Sandra. Kathryn’s home was surrounded by family and friends and was full of love, laughter and parties. She carried on that tradition throughout her life.

Always a gifted student, Kathryn attended Parkview Elementary, Banneker Junior High in Washington, DC and graduated from Saint Frances Academy High School in Baltimore as valedictorian. After high school, Kathryn attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she met and fell in love with her future husband of 31 years, Eldorado Dreux.

Once married, Kathryn and Eldorado started to raise a family of their own consisting of a daughter Elizabeth and two sons, Anthony and Peter. Kathryn was always resilient and adventurous and never shied away from a new challenge. So when asked to move around the country to support Eldorado’s career, she ensured her family was well prepared and looked after. With stops in Lanham, Maryland; San Jose, California; Dale City Virginia; Endicott, NY; and finally, Fairfax, Virginia, Kathryn always managed to establish long-lasting friendships. She managed to do so, all while maintaining a deep connection to her extended family no matter the distant between them. While raising her family and amongst these moves, Kathryn went back to school and attended the University of Maryland and received a Bachelor’s of Art degree. For a brief period of time Kathryn taught high school history. However, the majority of her 20+ year working career was spent in the banking industry. She retired after having spent her last 5 years as a branch manager for Perpetual Bank.

Kathryn shared her ready smile and effervescent personality with all that crossed her path, but her deepest and most abiding commitment was to her family. Known for her role as the “Family Archivist,” Kathryn readily opened and welcomed visitors to her home. She hosted many parties, holiday dinners and celebrations where everyone could view her “Rouges Gallery” of family pictures. She loved to share the achievements and life milestones while perusing the numerous photo albums she meticulously kept. In addition, Kathryn prided herself as the harbinger of the Christmas spirit. She worked tirelessly to ensure her house was the earliest decorated. She took great pride in knowing that her Christmas card was the very first of the season to be received by all.

Kathryn was a member at Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church in Chantilly, Virginia. She became a peer grief counselor after the passing of her husband Eldorado and daughter Elizabeth Maria Dreux. This experience allowed her to share her wisdom with others, providing some relief to their suffering. Kathryn was very proud of her self-sufficiency and maintained a vibrant social life up until her final days. She shared daily calls with her best friend of over 50 years, Majorie Cooper. In addition, her weekly zoom calls with friends Claudia Thompson and Geryl Anne McClenney, was one of her greatest pleasures later in life. She had a core group of local friends (her bowling buddies) who she regularly met for lunches and birthday celebrations. Perhaps more than anything, Kathryn adored her family and tried never to miss a family gathering or party.

Kathryn’s laughter, beaming smile and positive disposition were her superpowers and will be greatly missed by her two devoted sons, Anthony and Peter Dreux. She is cherished and survived by her daughters-in-law Camile Louis, Janeen Dreux, and Claire Louis. She will be greatly missed by her six treasured grandchildren, Gabrielle Dreux & Leighton Cooper (grandson-in-law), Simone Dreux, Xavier Dreux, Marcus Dreux, Bryn Bailey and Dean Bailey, who brought immense joy to her life. In addition, she leaves behind her loving brother, Adrian Palmer, and sister, Sandra Carpenter; Brother in Laws: Jonathan Hughes and Corey Bailey (son-in-law); Co-Grandmother: Claudette Louis; numerous Nieces and Nephews: Deborah Henry (Goddaughter), Kini Sullivan-West, Christy Ferguson (Goddaughter), Kim Dreux-Kelly, David Carpenter, Mark Carpenter; Casey Dreux and Cousins: Catherine Gross and Russell Gross.

Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. To celebrate her life a memorial mass for Kathryn will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 13807 Poplar Tree Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151. Following the memorial mass will be a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032.

Rest in peace, Kathryn Elizabeth Palmer Dreux your love and light will forever guide us.