AULANDER, NC– Vera Bryant Drew, age 85, of Aulander, passed away on February 29, 2016 at the Ahoskie House in Ahoskie, NC. She was married to John A. Drew, Jr. for 59 years prior to his passing in 2006.

Mrs. Drew was born on November 14, 1930 to the late Acree Bryant and Lena Bunch Bryant in Lewiston, NC. Vera was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. Vera devoted her life to supporting her husband and children in every aspect of their lives. She seemed to be happiest when her family visited, especially the grandchildren.

She worshiped and served our Lord and was an active member of Aulander Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. Vera was known for her work ethic and was very glad to deliver Meals on Wheels in the Aulander area. She was an avid supporter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization; serving as the president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the John Finch Early Post 11226 for several years.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Asa Drew, Jr., her sister, Emily Rawls, and her great granddaughter, Rhett Karsten Emory.

Left to cherish Vera’s memory is her daughter, Janet Drew Emory and her husband Wayne of Aulander, and their son Jeff Emory and wife Angela, son Drew and daughter Reese of Charleston, SC; her son, Larry Drew and his wife Carolyn of Aulander, their son Mickey Drew and wife Mindy, sons Coley and Ethan of Elizabeth City; their son Brian Drew and wife Beth, daughter Emily and son Tyler of Wake Forest; her son William “Billy” Drew and his wife Kathy of Ahoskie, his son Scott Drew and wife Angie, son Dylan and daughter Katlyn of Wilson; his daughter Sonya Ramsay and her husband Joe, sons Trey, Joseph and Zachary of Morehead City; his son Heath Drew and wife Kaci, son Reef of Morehead City; Fred Drew and special friend Sandra Peele of Aulander, and his daughter Kristy Dunlow and husband Scott and son Scott, Jr. of Windsor, his son David Simmons and wife Denise, son David, Jr., daughter Gracie and son Caleb of Windsor, and his daughter Reba Jo of Aulander; Thomas Edward “Eddie” Drew and wife Vicky of Aulander, daughter Titia Drew Vaughan and husband Mike, their son Michael and wife Sarah, daughters Kaylee, Allyson and son Ayden of Aulander, and their daughter Tracy Drew Burkett and husband Scott, daughter Ashley and son Austin of Aulander; and a multitude of extended family members.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 3:00 pm at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. J.N. Baggett officiating. Burial will follow at Aulander Cemetery, Aulander, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John A. Drew, Jr. Ballpark project. Make checks payable to the Aulander Youth League at PO Box 935, Aulander, NC 27805.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Drew family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.