Noel Blankinship Draper

Noel Blankinship Draper passed away on September 6, 2024, at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, VA. She was born on July 31, 1929 in Richmond, VA the only child of the late Robert Easley and Adelaide Noel Blankinship. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband of 53 years, Cosby Alvin Draper, Jr. She is survived by their three children, Adelaide Draper Lee, Robert Cosby Draper (Kathy) and Jacquelyn Draper Mosby (Ty). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Draper Lee (Amanda), Elizabeth Lee (Cody), Jennifer Wells (Derick), Will Draper, Tylden Mosby (Brooke) and seven great grandchildren.

For many years she was a member of Court Street United Methodist Church and the Ragged Robin Garden Club. She was Blood Services Director for the Lynchburg Area American Red Cross and volunteered as a tour docent at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Maier Museum at Randolph College.

Noel was a generous, loving mother and grandmother who was always devoted to her family and friends. She was a talented organizer of parties, weddings, and many other special events. She was known for bringing any occasion alive with beautiful flower arrangements, wonderful food, and a lovely atmosphere. She was a gifted host and cook, serving her friends and family authentic and delicious meals. She loved to garden and was very artistic and crafty. She had an adventurous spirit with a great sense of humor and laughed often. She accepted the challenges in life with strength and fortitude and was an inspiring role model to all that knew her. She will be missed dearly.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM at Court Street United Methodist Church in Lynchburg followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM in Lynchburg on September 24, 2024.

The family would like to thank the staff of the 6th floor of Westminster Canterbury’s Drinkard Healthcare Center for the care and support over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Court Street United Methodist Church, 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.