Dorthy Batchelor Drew

Dorthy was born on a farm on the Northeast Cape Fear River near Chinquapin, North Carolina, on December 19, 1930. She graduated as valedictorian from Chinquapin High School. She admired everyone from her early years in Duplin County: her parents, siblings, extended family, school, church, and community.

Dorthy was married to Allan Drew in 1949; they were married 55 years, until he passed away. They lived in Raleigh, and during the early years of their marriage, lived at the house at 5081 Six Forks Road. Dorthy continued to reside in Raleigh for the rest of her life.

In 1955, Dorthy and Allan joined a group for the first meeting to organize Trinity Baptist Church of Raleigh, on Six Forks Road, where they became charter members.

Dorthy began her early career as secretary and assistant to the president at Raleigh Bonded Warehouse, part of historic Raleigh, until her first child, Deborah, was born. A few years later she brought Deborah with her to a position at Meredith College. She worked as interim office manager at the Girl Scouts of America. Later she served as secretary for Trinity Baptist Church for several years, after which she worked as a secretary for the Raleigh Baptist Association, prior to which she helped organize the office and worked at Athens Baptist Church.

Dorthy was a mother, homemaker, employee, and church volunteer. She served as former president of the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh. She served as church historian and deacon at Trinity Baptist Church. One of the first four members of the Trinity Baptist Church choir, she continued as a choir member for over 60 years, until 2019. This year, in May, she received the Trinity Baptist Church Heritage Day Award and spoke at the service.

Dorthy was her “own person” who liked the quote “To thine own self be true.” She was known for her giving heart, positivity, sense of innocence, and desire to recognize positive aspects in people. She uplifted and inspired her daughters, family, and friends. She was known for her sharp mind and great memory. On a lighter note, she was fondly known for her love of purple and was called a "purple lady." She asked her friends to remember her by this quote she created: “Intentional living for Jesus Christ is terrestrial preparation for eternal peace and joy in celestial celebration.” She was dedicated to her husband, family, friends, church, and God.

Dorthy loved gardening and “yard work” and would do her own landscaping and spend long hours in the yard, until recent years. She was devoted to her daughters, enjoyed caring for her family’s and her friends’ children, and was actively involved with her great-grandchildren. She often baked cakes for people and enjoyed creating recipes. She hosted a Christmas party for friends every year in her home and hosted several bridal showers in her home. She and her husband enjoyed being chaperones for their friends' children and church events. She and Allan travelled together often, including trips to different areas of the country and parts of Canada, a trip to Hawaii, and a trip to Europe. She enjoyed writing and wrote history books for the church.

Some of Dorthy's other significant life experiences include the time she met and talked with Colin Powell at the Pentagon, when her cousin Nancy Batchelor Hughes served as his assistant. Her participation on a grand jury was a unique experience for her.

In addition to her parents, Vance and Margaret Batchelor, Dorthy was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Elwood Drew; two sisters, Julia Brock and Polly Lanier; and two brothers, Ward and Martin. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Drew Finch, and her husband, Curt Finch; her daughter, Daphne Drew; her sister, Emily B. Barfield, and her husband, Bobby Barfield; her brother, Kenneth Batchelor; her granddaughter, Jennifer Kelley Finch; her grandson, Jonathan Drew Finch, and his wife, Sarah; seven great-grandchildren: Sierra, Zachary, Brenna, Raegan, Ethan, Jeremiah, and Finley; and many nieces and nephews. Her youngest great-grandchild, a girl named Finley Drew Finch, was born in July.

The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 13th at 2:00, at Trinity Baptist Church. The graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 10th at 12:00, at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Trinity Baptist Church.

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