Shirley Sexton Warren Draper

DRAPER, SHIRLEY SEXTON WARREN - age 90 passed away Wednesday, June 12 at The Lantern at Morning Pointe. Shirley graduated from Knoxville High School in 1951 and went to work at Commercial Credit, where she stayed until she married in 1959. She then used her skills and talents to raise her family with love and great humor. Shirley was an amazing and supportive wife and mother, caring for her immediate and extended family above all except God. She gave of her time and resources selflessly and her natural abilities found her in leadership roles in nearly every organization in which she participated, including Ramsey House, the Knoxville Garden Club, the Knoxville Symphony and many of her children’s activities. However, Shirley’s starring role in life was as a grandmother. As “Muv,” Shirley was a caregiver, playmate, companion and friend. She went above and beyond in all ways; she was truly the “Grandmother-of-a-Lifetime!” Shirley/Mom/Muv will be remembered as love and kindness embodied. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, William Kenneth Warren; her father and mother, Guy and Frances Sexton; and her brothers and sister. Her survivors include her husband of 10 years, Jack Draper, daughter and son-in law, Kristi and Will Evans of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter and son in law, Kelly and Kevin Blankenburg of Knoxville; grandchildren, Avery Blankenburg of Atlanta, GA, Kallen and Justin Slavens of Chattanooga, TN, Jenny and Chase Jones of Prattville, AL, Ryan and Allyson Blankenburg of Pearland, TX, Ashley Draper and Jack Alan Draper of Knoxville, TN; as well as 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of The Lantern at Morning Point for their compassionate care and support. Receiving of friends will be held on Friday, June 14 from 5 to 7 pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann. Funeral service will be 11 am Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Northshore Drive. Interment will follow at Edgewood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Blankenburg, Will Evans, Justin Slavens, Jeff Draper, David Draper and Jack Alan Draper. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org) and Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). Arrangements by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Shirley Sexton Warren Draper

October 27, 1933 - June 12, 2024