Vada Lee Draper

Vada Lee Draper was born in Glenwood, Arkansas to Jasper and Ada Adcock on July 14, 1915 and went to join them in heaven on November 16, 2009 at the age of 94. She was also preceded in death by her husband TJ Draper and one son, Tommie Jerral.

Vada was the seventh of ten children: Harley, Wayne, Thelma, Verla, Coburn, Ludie, Nola, Ned and Jack. As a child, Vada moved with her family to Oklahoma in a covered wagon. She married TJ in 1933 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage before his death in 2000. She was a homemaker and was often seen on her knees praying during the day. She was dedicated to God first and to her husband second. Granny adored her grandchildren and will be remembered for bear claws, chocolate oatmeal cookies, and a sweater pocket full of Kraft caramels. She was also a favorite aunt of many in her large extended family and looked forward to the "fuss" made over her at recent family reunions. Granny used a Bible as her safe and filled it with her earthly treasures: letters from her grandchildren and nieces and newspaper articles about their accomplishments.

Vada moved to Richland Gardens Assisted Living facility in 2001 and received great care and support from both staff and fellow residents. It was truly a place she could call "home" and a haven where her children could entrust her safety. The family would also like to thank the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice for their invaluable support and guidance during the last days at her earthly home.

She is survived by her sister Nola and brother Jack who continue to live in Oklahoma. Vada is also survived by her children Wilburn and Margaret Draper, J.C. and Peggy Draper, LaVada and Karl Mundt, Don and Brenda Draper, and Lonnie Draper. She was "granny" to 11 grandchildren and 20 great -grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 21, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. A memorial gathering will immediately follow at the home of Don and Brenda, 1255 Chardonnay Dr. in Richland.