Loel Dalton Draper

Loel Dalton Draper, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the age of 99.

Born on March 2, 1926, Loel lived a long and beautiful life, marked by faith, creativity, and deep devotion to her family and community. She worked for the American Tobacco Company during and after World War II and later embraced her role as a loving homemaker. For 64 cherished years, she was married to the love of her life, Charlie W. Draper.

Loel was an accomplished artist, known for her expressive seascapes, landscapes, florals, and portraits. Her creativity extended far beyond the canvas—she was a skilled basket weaver, loom weaver of wall hangings, and a talented quilter. Her love for nature showed in her flourishing flower and vegetable gardens, which she tended with care and joy.

A woman of deep faith, Loel was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and delivered children’s sermons for many years. Her gentle spirit, warm heart, and commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Family was the heart of Loel’s world. She was a beloved grandmother and a passionate caregiver to family and friends, always offering support, comfort, and unconditional love.

Loel was preceded in death by her parents, Dover and Martha Jane Dalton; her husband, Charlie W. Draper; son, Wesley Lee Draper; her son-in-law, Robert Ontjes; and her siblings: Hazel Hall, Jessie Dalton, Stella Carter, Robert Dalton, Geneva Varner, Lillian Pauline Spencer, and Winton Dalton. Her son, Joseph Charlie Draper passed on June 30, 2025.

She is survived by her daughter, Martha Ontjes; her grandson, Dalton L. Draper; her daughter-in-law, Ursula Draper; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for both Loel and Joseph will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at  2:00 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 1821 Ashley Loop, Reidsville, NC 27320.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ancora Compassionate Care, 2150 NC Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320 or online at www.ancoracc.org/donate, in honor of Loel’s compassionate spirit and lifelong care for others.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.