Loreda Parsons Drum

Over the years our mother recorded stories about her and her family member's lives. In 2014 she self-published her life story with the help of her cousin, Norma Sneed. Much of the following information is her own words.

Loreda Parsons Drum was born on April 13, 1921, the second of five children in a farm family. She came of age during the Great Depression and learned the lessons of family love and solidarity, hard work and faith. She was native Texan and, with the exception of a couple of years in Oklahoma, lived in Texas all of her life.

She met her true love on a blind date on Halloween night 1939. She and Richard (Dick) Drum were married on July 31, 1942. She lived with her family and had their first child, Richard Allen, while her husband served in World War II. After his return they had their second son, Gary Dow. While they raised their boys she shared in the support of her family with jobs that included store clerk, bookkeeper, mail carrier, and the owner of a Sears catalog store franchise — all in addition to her household duties.

Her enduring love for God and faith in Christ inspired her to minister to innumerable family members, friends and strangers throughout her 99 years. In every church she attended she willingly served wherever there was a need, including hosting Sunday school and women's Bible study in her home for many years. One thing her family could always count on was that she was praying for us.

Loreda was an accomplished seamstress. Her family and friends treasure the quilts she made for us. She also enjoyed cooking and was always on the lookout for new recipes. We just know it was always a treat to sit at her table for supper!

Loreda fell asleep in her chair and woke up in heaven on Friday morning, June 12. She is survived by her sons: Richard and Gary (Julie); granddaughters: Allison (Jay), Megan (Randy) and Molly; great-grandchildren: Caroline, Catherine, Noah, Hank, Jayne, Emma-Elisabeth and Ariana; nieces Diane, Suzanne, Berta, Linda, Kathy, Debbie and Alice; nephew Eddie; and sister-in-law Madge Parsons.

A graveside service will be held at Restland Cemetery in Olney on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to Oak Street Baptist Church or Oasis of Grace Church in Graham.