BOYKINS — Patricia Person Draper, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Dec. 24, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Pat was born in Boykins, Virginia, on Sept. 13, 1932, the daughter of the late Pat and Eloise Person.

A 1949 graduate of Boykins High School, she earned a two year business certificate from Madison College. Pat continued her education receiving a BS degree from ODU in 1973. Further pursuing degrees as she worked for Southampton County Schools, Pat earned her Master’s and Course of Advanced Study. She was a dedicated educator working for Southampton County Schools from September 1971 until she retired in June 1996 as the Title 1 Coordinator.

Pat’s life was one that could best be described as both loving and serving. Whether in her home, classroom, church or community, she lived in such a way that made a great impact on everyone.

Pat was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations including Boykins Woman’s Club, Red Hatters, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Auxiliary member of the Southampton Gideon camp.

A lifelong member of Boykins United Methodist Church, Pat was a devoted servant. She taught Sunday school, directed Vacation Bible School, assisted with food distribution and sang in the church choir.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Lucian Felton “Sonny” Draper; children, Lu Haywood and her husband, Bill, of Newport News; Steve Draper and his wife, Lisa, of Boykins; and Sandy Black and her husband, Jon, of Aberdeen, North Carolina.

She is also survived by her five grandsons who loved their Grammy: Nathan Black, Trent Black, Chase Black, Will Black and Bryan Draper.

Her brother, Joe Person, preceded her in death.

The service celebrating Pat’s life will be in Boykins United Methodist Church at noon on Wednesday Dec. 28. The reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Beechwood Cemetery, Boykins.

The family wishes to thank Comfort Keepers Mike Mahanes and New Century Hospice for their devoted care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Boykins United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 235, Boykins, VA 23827; Gideons International, P.O. Box 55, Franklin, VA 23851; Boykins Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 347, Boykins, VA 23827; or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.

Arrangements are by Wright Funeral Home.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.