Jean Venoia Drew

Our beloved Jean Venoia Drew was the first of eleven children born to the late Oliver Delbert (O.D.) and Eunice (Gaines) Parker on April 4, 1938, in Whitehall, TX.

She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Kell’s Branch United Methodist Church in Whitehall, TX. She and her family faithfully attended Church as military travel took them to different parts of the world. But, she never severed her membership at Kell's Branch. She was always supportive and concerned about the activities and the ongoing of her home church. Whenever they were stationed near, or lived close enough after retirement, she and Julius were in attendance at Kell's Branch. And, she invited friends to attend and participate in the Church services and activities.

Jean attended elementary school at the Colored Whitehall Community School. She completed elementary and high school in South Moody’s Independent School District. She had a heart of gold and was always dedicated to God, family, friends and others. As a teenager, she helped care for her younger siblings with loving guidance and nurture. She was the quintessential epitome of “Big Sister”.

She was beautiful inside and out, always meticulously dressed and very popular among her peers. She met the true love of her life, Julius Drew in 1956. He was in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Hood, TX. She and Julius were married, on September 14, 1957; a union that lasted 63 years.

To their union three children were born. Jean cherished them with every fiber of her being, as she did her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family and their military tours took center stage as they traveled overseas and were stationed at many army bases in the United States. She actively supported her children’s educations; their extracurricular activities, and her husband’s military career. Jean dedicated a large portion of her life serving others through her volunteer efforts in schools, churches and communities. She was, also, employed in several school districts; and, most notably, employed as a compassionate caregiver for many years; a role that reflected her generous heart and servant spirit.

With a lighthearted spirit and unwavering faith, Jean exchanged the trials of this life for the promise of eternal peace on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Drew, Sr; Son, Julius Drew Jr., her parents and six brothers; O.D. Parker, Jr. (Doll), Ennis Parker (Poobie), Jackie Joel Parker(Rooster), Jerry Parker (Slick), Bill Rickey Parker (Rick), and Stoney (Bert) Parker.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Daughter, Felecia Drew-Locke (Marietta, GA); son, Darby Drew (Austin, TX); Three Grand Children; Miles Cornell Locke, Mia Venoia Locke (Marietta, GA); and, Ashlee Briana Jean Drew-Walker (Elgin, TX); and 5 Great Grand Children: Mario Sanchez, Adrian Sanchez, Kalisse Sanchez, Isabella Hinojosa, and Mateo Hinojosa (Elgin, TX) - - Three sisters, Barbara Parker (Atlanta, GA); Sandra Thomas (Whitehall, TX); Phoebe Watkins (Waco, TX); one brother, Vickey Parker (Houston, TX); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.