Evelyn Rachel Draper, age 89 passed into the loving arms of the Lord Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. Evelyn was born October 21, 1926, in Lansing, Michigan to Henry and Florence (Briggs) Wright. She was an obedient servant of our Lord and Savior and follower of Christ from a very young age. Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister. She married the love of her life Donald George Draper on Valentine's Day February 14, 1948, at the First Methodist Church in Lansing, Michigan - the same church where the couple first met.
Evelyn leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Donald, her 10 children Donna (John) Abbey, Jacqueline (Robert) Humphrey, Janette (Clare) Everett, Rachel (Lawrence) Grades, Patricia Gallap, Joanne (Loren) Crosby, Linda (Edward) Lopardo, George (Michelle) Draper, Denise (Duane) Draper-Ingraham, Joseph (Dawn) Draper; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Eleanor Owens, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Early in their marriage, Evelyn worked beside her husband Don at the family owned business, Richard's Drug Store, located in Lansing, Michigan. After moving "North", she volunteered much of her spare time by serving her church family at Grace Bible Church. Much of Evelyn's life was spent in the service to the Lord Jesus Christ and it was her desire that her family and friends know and accept the Lord into their lives. Evelyn loved music, playing her piano, crafting, and quilting. Much of her later years were dedicated to lovingly hand making quilts for all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 23, at 10:00AM at Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI, 49685 with a luncheon directly following the service. Additionally, family and friends are welcome at the Interment Graveside Service to follow at 1:30PM at Dunsmore Cemetery, State Road 624, Central Lake, Michigan.
The Family would like to give our heartfelt appreciation to all the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Munson Medical Center who diligently cared for Evelyn during her last days.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley Bible Camp, 3606 Wilson Rd., East Jordan, MI 49727
Please share your thoughts and memories with Evelyn's family by visiting her online guestbook at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
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The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.