Frances Ward Ward Drysdale

Frances Ward Drysdale, age 92, passed away on November 8, 2013. She was a resident of Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Drysdale; her daughter, Jane Drysdale; her granddaughter, Beth Reeves; and her parents, Mr. and L.T. Ward, Sr. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Ann Drysdale; her daughter and son-in law, Jodi and Bob Newton; her brother, L.T. Ward, Jr. and Joyce; her grandchildren: Brooke Standifer and Cliff, Bert Newton and JoAnna, James Drysdale and Peyton, Ross Newton and Allison, and Jennifer Trussell and Chris. She is survived by eleven great grandchildren: Evan Arrington; Kaleigh, Natalie, and Cade Jordan; Reese, Owen and Hank Newton; Quinn and Duncan Drysdale; Christopher Trussell, and Thomas Newton. She is also survived by niece, Terri Ward; and nephews, Taylor, Tim, and Tom Ward. Her special caretakers, Annie and Tonya Ezelle, were dear to her in her final months of life. She found great joy in family and friends; she loved visits to the beach and to the lake; and she loved reading and card games. Her kindness, dear sweet spirit, and deep faith were with her all of her days.

She was born in Carbon Hill, Alabama, grew up in Bessemer, Alabama, and spent most of her life in Bessemer. She graduated from the University of Montevallo (then Alabama College) with a BA degree, later a MA degree and did additional graduate work at the University of Alabama and at Northwestern University. Her first work was as a USO program director. She later taught in Bessemer Schools for 30 years, followed by 11 years as principal of St. Aloysius School in Bessemer.

Frances Drysdale was an active member of Bessemer First United Methodist Church for many years, teaching Sunday School and holding leadership roles. She was later a member of Glen Hills Methodist Church and served on its board for twenty years. In recent years she worshiped at Riverchase Methodist Church.

She was chosen as First Lady of the Year from Beta Sigma Phi International for community service. She was a member of honorary organizations: Zeta Phi Eta and Kappa Delta Pi. She served for years on the Bessemer Library Board, was President of the Bessemer Education Association, and sponsored the Bessemer Junior Story League for 18 years. She was well known for her dramatic readings and book reviews for community groups. She was a national speaker and an artist, a woman who used her many talents to serve others.

Visitation will be 1:00p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2013, at Rideout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, Alabama, followed by the 3:00 p.m. service in Southern Heritage Chapel. Her honorary pall bearers are Robert Moore, her life-long friend, and Bo Templin, who provided much support.