AHOSKIE, NC – Helen Jordan Draper, age 78, passed away on July 7, 2019 at her daughters’ home in Colerain, NC, with her daughter by her side.
Mrs. Draper was born in Halifax County on January 13, 1941, a daughter of the late Samuel T. Jordan and Medie Woodruff Jordan Merritt. Besides working as a receptionist for Morris & Taylor Orthodontics, Helen was a lover of crafting, which included quilting, sewing, and basket weaving. She had the ability to look at most anything and make it. Mrs. Draper had a true servant’s heart and was a faithful servant to her Lord, doing missions work in both her local community with projects such as Samaritans Purse and Christmas Box, and abroad, having traveled to Peru and Romania. She was also active in her home church, Union Baptist Church. Helen never knew a stranger, only friends waiting to be met. She lived her life in accordance to the meaning of her name “a true shining light.” She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Beside her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Erwin Draper, Sr.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Terry White Koch and husband, James of Colerain, NC; two sons, Richard E. Draper, Jr. of Ahoskie, NC, and Robert E. Draper and wife, Carolyn of Lewiston, NC; five grandsons, Terry Douglas (Sarah) White Jr. of Angier, NC, Richard E. Draper, III (fiancé, Kelliann) of Wilson, NC, Steven (Renee) Draper of Ahoskie, NC, Ryan Draper and Benjamin Draper of Aulander, NC; four granddaughters, Laura White of Raleigh, NC, Lindsey (Adam) Greene of Scotland Neck, NC, Dianne (Jesse) Snyder of Lewiston, NC, Jessica Lynn Carroll of Kenly, NC; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Samuel Thomas Jordan, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, NC; and two step brothers, Daniel Steven (Frances) Merritt of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Lawrence (Linda) Merritt of FL. Also surviving is her Aunt, Jean Woodruff Hargrove of Newport News, VA; two Uncles, Lenn (Jean) Woodruff of Gaston, NC, and Glenn (Priscilla) Woodruff of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and her cat companion, Darcy.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service, Scotland Neck, NC, prior to services, and other times at the home of her daughter, Terry W. Koch in Colerain, NC.
A graveside celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Sunnyside Cemetery, Scotland Neck, NC, with Rev. Randy Miller, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612 or online by clicking here; or to PAWS of Hertford County, P.O. Box 153, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by clicking here.
Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service is handling the arrangements for the Draper family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting letchworthsykesfs.com.
Terry, I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. Helen and I went back many years ago and she was always so kind and a loving person. I know she will be missed so much. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Terry your mother will be missed by so many! She always had a kind word and a helping hand for anyone that needed it. You are just like your mother, so keep on dong what you are doing and helping people every day! Heaven has gained another Angel! My prayers are with you and your family! Love you!
I am sorry about your Mother
I was very saddened when Steve told me about your mom’s passing. She was always very kind to me when I would visit. I always enjoyed those times. Will keep your family in my prayers. Linda
So very many memories of Helen. She was my quilting best-buddy and such a wonderful person; always cheerful and upbeat. We went on many adventures together in the quilting world, talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company; taking quilt classes (which she really didn’t need) and traveling to quilt shows. She will always have a special place in my heart. My sincere condolences and prayers to all of the Draper family. She loved all of you so very much.
Love and prayers for you all.
Love and prayers
I want the family of Helen Draper to know how much I loved your Mom. I didn’t get to visit her like I wanted to do but I carry some very precious memories of her & Dick of the special times we shared together. Oh yes, I can’t leave out how much my husband Lonnie’s sister Faye Lassiter loved Helen as well. God bless you all.
Helen was a ray of sunshine to me. I’ll never forget her, her beautiful smile & most her love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Miss Helen was a permenant fixture in the office of Drs Morris and Taylor for many many years ! She had a smile that lit up a room . She did not know any strangers ! I will miss her sweet sweet smile and her great big heart . On to your next journey Helen ! Heaven has another Angel !! Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends ! Love you Miss Helen