Jessie M Drew

She was born in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on September 25, 1935.

She had a love of fashion and bridal that were the cornerstone of a long retail career. She realized a lifelong dream and opened Drew’s of Jacksonville, a premiere bridal salon, and was a pioneer in the wedding industry offering full service planning and coordination to her clients, at a time when very few but the elite had access to such services. Jessie also served as President of the Gator Bowl Association.

In later life she entered Real Estate, and was associated with Atkinson Knight in Jacksonville and Long & Foster in Virginia Beach.

Jessie is preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Horace Drew, and her parents Eva and Jesse McDaniel.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Anderson and her husband, Wes; grandson, Chris Cronin; granddaughter, Sommer Bennett Williams and her husband, Rich; and great granddaughters, Hannah Phelan, Casey Cronin, and Stella Dietrich. She loved her family greatly, and was greatly loved in return.

She had a love of animals from an early age and through the years rescued many hurt and homeless animals. She coordinated many events and donation drives for the SPCA in Jacksonville, Virginia Beach and Norfolk. She also created and wrote Pet Parade for the Cape Story by the Sea Skipjack. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SPCA.org.

The family would like to express special thanks to Teri Hewitt, Malaine McMath and the caring staff of Windermere Nursing Center for the many kindnesses and special care.

Friends are invited to join the family on Monday, November 23, 2015, at 11:00am, at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 N. Great Neck Rd., VB 23454, for a Celebration of Life Memorial.