Annie Laurie Drews

DREWS, ANNIE LAURIE (SURRATT) passed away Tuesday, July 20. Mrs. Drews lived a life that was active and enthusiastic and that encompassed a concern for those around her. She was born June 12, 1913, in Dallas to John E. Surratt Sr., pioneer city planner for Dallas, and Annie Laurie England Surratt, who helped her husband in his work. She was among the first students at Woodrow Wilson High School. Later she completed an undergraduate degree in mathematics at Texas Womans University. In 1941, she joined Group Hospital Service of Texas, which was to become Texas Blue Cross-Blue Shield. There she held several major posts, including serving as secretary to administrators Dr. J.F. Kimball and W.R. McBee and Manager of the Case Department. After retirement, she assisted her husband, George R. Drews, in the familys commercial photography business. She also flew her own plane, served as a docent at Old City Park, and volunteered as a tutor at Ben Milam Elementary School. As well, she was devoted to her Sunday School class, the Radiant Class at First Baptist Church, Dallas, and to assisting her family, friends, and neighbors. She is survived by her adoring family, including two brothers, John E. Surratt Jr. and Marshall E. Surratt, and his wife, Margaret; a niece, DeAnn Surratt Scogin, and her husband, Kirby; a niece, Jean Surratt Humphreys and husband, John; a nephew, Marshall N. Surratt and wife, Dorothy; as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27, at Embree Hall in the Criswell Building at First Baptist Church, at the corner of San Jacinto Street and Ervay Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Rising Together building fund of the First Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto Place, Dallas, TX 75201; Dallas Baptist University, Scholarship Fund, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211; or Sponsor-A-Child Scholarship Fund, Prestonwood Christian Academy, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093.