Olivia "Kathy" Drew

Kathy Drew went to be with her Lord on March 15, 2020, just two days shy of her 88th birthday. She was born in Pinehurst Georgia in 1932, daughter of the late Jessie Franklin Fears and the late Emma Peavy Fears. She had three siblings: the late Ethel Fears White, the late Willie T. Fears, and the late Ruth Fears Richardson. She was raised in Dooly County and Houston County, graduating from Warner Robins High in 1949. After high school, she worked at Robins Field as a Property and Supply Clerk. In the summer of 1949, Kathy met USAF Sgt. Calvin L. Drew. After a long courtship spanning several overseas stations, the two were married in Savannah in March 1953 while Calvin was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base. Their two daughters, Kathy Diane and Donna Ruth, were born in Savannah. Their son, Steven Bolton, was born in Germany while Calvin was stationed in Wiesbaden. In 1963, the family returned to the United States and Calvin was assigned to Turner Field in Albany Georgia. Kathy was employed at Byne Memorial Baptist Church Child Development Center from 1968 – 1982, serving as director for most of those years. She believed her calling was working with young children so she took additional coursework and attended workshops to gain additional education and skills. She also joined professional organizations such as: Albany Preschool Association, Georgia Preschool Association, Georgia Association of the Young Child, Albany Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, SOWEGA Chapter of Autistic Children, and others. Kathy accepted Christ as a young woman and was a faithful servant. She was a member of Montgomery Street Baptist Church while in Savannah and joined Byne Memorial Baptist Church in Albany in 1963 upon their return from Germany. While attending Byne, she was involved in: Sunday School, Adult Choir, Girls in Action (GA), Women on Mission (WOM), Single Adult Ministry, Happy Hearts Senior Adult Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Clubs, Hospital-Homebound /Nursing Home Ministry, Albany Diversion Center, Silent Friends deaf department, and Prison Ministry (teaching “Experiencing God” Bible Study to inmates at two state prisons). Kathy also served on many mission teams, both domestically and internationally: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Idaho, Michigan, Germany, Brazil, England, and Mexico. (Matthew 25:36–40, Matthew 28:19-20) Kathy was involved in community service as well: Albany Health Care, The Lord’s Pantry, Mallary Baptist Association ASSIST (Mission Trips, Clown Ministry), Southwest Georgia Silent Singers, and served on the Albany Area Vo-Tech School Advisory Board. She received two community service awards: “10 Who Make a Difference” from WALB-TV, and “Golden Deed” from Albany Exchange Club. Besides her immediate family, Kathy Drew was beloved by many nieces and nephews as well as numerous friends. Our family is grateful to have had such a wonderful and amazing Christian woman as our mother, mother in law, grandmother: Diane Drew-Grotheer, Donna Drew Holloway, Steven Drew, John Grotheer, Wilson Holloway, Cindy Cato Drew, Rachel Holloway, Jamie Drew, Katy Holloway, Grayson Drew, and Evan Drew. We know that when Kathy Drew entered heaven, she was met with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25: 21) The immediate family had a private graveside service on March 17, 2020. Memorial donations may be made to Byne Memorial Baptist Church “Living the Legacy Fund” at 2832 Ledo Road Albany GA 31707 or www.byne.org. Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home of Leesburg was given the honor to serve the Drew family. Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home Leesburg, GA 229/814-1415