Dorothy M. Draper

March 1, 1939 - April 18, 2021

Dorothy Kathleen Maddox Draper , age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Waldorf, MD. surrounded by her loving daughter Kelli , grandsons Justin and Jordan and niece Janice. Dorothy and Kelli had agape love, so even in death, their mother-daughter bond will never be broken. Dorothy was born March 1, 1939, in Chester, PA, to the late William Henry Maddox, Sr. and the late Rachel Kathleen Loper Maddox. Dottie, as she was affectionately known, was educated in Chester public schools and graduated from Chester High School in 1957. She attended West Chester University where she received a B. S. in Music Education and later, a Masters in Gifted Education. She spent over 35 years teaching children in the classroom before she retired from Chester Upland School District. While at WCU, Dorothy became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and remained active in the local chapter. After retirement, Dorothy used her gifts as an educator to inspire and encourage others as an Assistant Librarian at the J. Lewis Crozer Library. In addition, she taught piano from her home providing lessons for the novice as well as the more experienced student. Dorothy was a lifetime member of Thomas M. Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church, and remained active, even through much of illness. She faithfully and diligently served her church as Elder, Trustee and Usher. She chaired several church committees including Evangelism, Stewardship and Woman's Day and was a member of United Voices, Thomas M. Thomas Chorus and The Monroe Chorus. She was actively engaged in Sunday School, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School and the TMT Youth Group, joyfully dedicating her time, talents and gifts wherever she felt God’s call. Her favorite scripture was Matthew 7: 24-27: 24 Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Dorothy lived a life of service and kindness and the wide range of how she touched people's lives spans from the outreach of sending greeting cards to individual church members - to organizing school trips and picnics - to volunteering her time to help with clothes and food drives - being a Chester High School Band Parent - and in many other ways. Dorothy loved music of all genres and people from all walks of life. She was a strong woman, a leader, a "go-getter" and all who crossed her path were touched by her loving kindness. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, ex-husband, Frank Daniel Lee Draper, sister Addele Swain and brothers William H. Maddox, Jr. and Lorenzo Toy. She is survived by her devoted daughter Kelli Danielle Whalen (Marvin), sisters Janet Dale Jones and Jean Hackett, grandsons, Justin Anthony Townsend and Jordan Morlai Townsend, Godson Eliezer Rios, Goddaughter Sabrina Maddox Harris (James) , many nieces, nephews, cousins, students, family and friends. In loving tribute to her mother, Kelli declares they shared a mother-daughter bond that will never be broken! For a life well lived and a soul well-loved, the Family says, “To God Be the Glory!!!” Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81538691774?pwd=QlRaYm9ncGh3T1h6NHY4Y3ovMElRUT09