Mary Jannette (Jan) Draper

Mary Jannette (Jan) Draper, 83, of Cleveland, passed from this life to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at her home following and extended illness. Jan was born February 10, 1940, at Anna, Texas to Pearl Lee and Mary Elizabeth (Sharp) Kilgore. She grew up in Lannis, Texas, and in 1952 moved to Blue, Oklahoma. It was at Blue where she graduated high school. On June 6, 1957, Jan was united in marriage to Lelon David Draper at the Blue Baptist Church. The couple moved to Amarillo, TX, while residing in Amarillo their first son DeWayne passed away at the age of 5.

Shortly after his death they moved to Durant, Jan worked at Durant Electronics. The couple moved to Owasso, OK in 1969, and Jan continued to work at Anthony’s, TG & Y and Soc’s Drug until they moved to Cleveland, OK in April of 1982, where they have resided since.

Jan once said if I could live life over – “I would spend less time cooking and have spent more time with her Mom & Dad and having fun”. Jan also said that if she were to describe herself, it would be “ornery, loving and wanting to help others”. She liked spending time with Lelon traveling in their 5th wheel and taking care of the great grandchildren. She especially loved going to Lake Texhoma camping. One of her greatest joys was seeing her grandchildren born and Lelon holding them.

Those that survive and hold many cherished memories are her husband of 66 years – Lelon; three sons – Mark Draper and wife Lydia, Lemuel Draper and wife Charlene and Brent Draper and wife Candi; nine grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren with one on the way. Jan was preceded in death by her mother when she was three days old, her parents that raised her – Grant & Bertha Godbey: son DeWayne and four brothers – Billy, Bobby, Harold and Gene Godbey.

Services celebrating Jan’s life will be at 2:00 PM Friday August 11th in the chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Sisson officiating. Graveside committal rites will be at noon on Monday, August 14th at the Highland Cemetery, Durant, OK. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Cleveland, OK. www.chapman-black.com