Marilyn M. Draper

Draper, Marilyn Ann (McMillan) – passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Parkwest Medical Center after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Knoxville, and was a choir member for many years. Marilyn was born in Akron, Ohio. During her school years she lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School, and thereafter attended the Jordan Conservatory of Music to study voice and piano. Preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Jess and Mabel Blackwell of Indianapolis, and her father Kirk H. McMillan of Wilmington, OH. Following her retirement, Marilyn’s mother, Mary Lu McMillan, moved from Indianapolis to Knoxville and loved this area until she passed away in 2005. Marilyn is survived by her husband of fifty-four plus years, Jack B. Draper of Knoxville; son, Jeffrey B. Draper of Rockford; and son, David A. Draper of Knoxville. Also surviving are her daughter-in-law Sherry R. Draper of Knoxville, and grandchildren Ashley Rose Draper and Jack Alan Draper. She is also survived by two sisters, Barbara Mead, PhD of Knoxville, and Carol Lu Knox of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was a past president of the Knoxville Bar Auxiliary, a member of the Akima Club, and the Knoxville Symphony League. She also served as the Coordinator of volunteer workers at the Churches’ Presence at the 1982 World’s Fair. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Daniel Ibach and his staff at Thompson Cancer Center West for their highly skilled and always compassionate care. The same gratitude is extended to the oncology nursing staff at Parkwest Medical Center, and to the many other hospital staff that cared for Marilyn with both excellence and grace during her last hospital stay. Friends of the family will be received from 5 to 7pm on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Rose Mortuary, Mann Heritage Chapel, 6200 Kingston Pike. A celebration of life service will follow immediately in the chapel. Dr. Carroll Wallace, Minster of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Knoxville, and Rev. John Stuart, Minister of Erin Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, will officiate at the service. Interment Private. For any friends who desire to make a memorial contribution, the family requests that such be sent to the Thompson Cares Fund, 9711 Sherrill Blvd., Suite 201, Knoxville, TN 37936. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortaury.com

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Marilyn M. Draper

June 26, 1936 - May 4, 2011