Patricia Lester Draper, 93, of Martinsville, Va. passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024. She was born August 23, 1930 in Martinsville to Jackson Pierpoint Lester and Maude Frith Lester. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Gerard Draper.
She is survived by her children, Gerard “Jerry” Harrison (Jeanine) Draper and Patricia Charles (Gunnar) Kohlbeck; Grandchildren, Joseph Michael (Jaimie) Charles, Benjamin Andrew Charles, Jessica Catherine (J.J). Witt , Joshua Logan ( Brooke) Draper; one step grandson, Thomas James (Christina) Kohlbeck; Great grandchildren, John David Charles, William Parker Charles and Ella Gray Draper.
Patricia attended public schools and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1948. Upon graduation, she attended Richmond Professional Institute for one year.
She married Edgar Draper on September 18, 1949.
She was employed as a sales associate at Leggett and Globman’s Department Stores. She had also worked at Raylass Department Store, Tultex outlet store, Mount Olivet Elementary School Cafeteria, Carlisle’s lunchroom and the Williamsburg Cafeteria.
She was a member of Starling Avenue Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, served as secretary of Women’s Missionary Union for several years. She was also president of WMU for one year.
Patricia was a former member of Flowerview Garden Club, Double R Bridge Club and the Women’s Club. She was also a grey lady for the American Red Cross.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at King's Grant Victory Chapel and will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Dennis Knight.
Memorials may be made to the Starling Avenue Baptist Church, 932 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Va. 24112 or to the King’s Grant Fellowship Fund, 350 King’s Way Road, Martinsville, VA. 24112.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.
