Drena McCurdy

1945 - 2017

Drena F. McCurdy

LEXINGTON: For Drena McCurdy pageant crowns were not made of rhinestones or glitter, they were made of discipline, determination, scholarship, and a hard-to-find alloy called courage. As the 30-year director of the Miss Lexington Pageant, she invested in girls with dreams to become women with vision - and a future. Drena used pageants to teach the exact same skills that sports do: goal-setting, "can-do" attitude, and performance under pressure - all while wearing much better shoes!

Drena F. McCurdy passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017. She was 72.

She was born September 9, 1945 in Massillon, the daughter of Ernest and Rose Mary (Bell) Sarianides and was graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 1963.

On January 1, 1981 she married James E. McCurdy and together they have celebrated over 36 years of marriage.

Drena owned and operated her own formal clothing store, Theresa-Ann's Bridal and Fine Clothing for over 25 years. A long-time resident of Lexington she was a member of Resurrection Parish.

Pageants were Drena's passion as she dedicated much of her time and talents shaping young women not only as the Director of Miss Lexington, but also served on the Board of Directors for the Miss Ohio Pageant over 25 years and the Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen Pageant.

A big supporter of Lexington sports, Drena loved watching her granddaughters in golf, and was a huge fan of Indiana University, where her granddaughter attended. She also enjoyed Lexington Basketball, seen every home game in her reserved seats, the kids looked for her in the stands to know she was cheering them on. Drena followed all basketball including NBA and her favorite college teams, especially during March Madness.

Kind, caring and generous, Drena was also persistent and passionate about that which was important to her. Tasks were not done just good enough… they were accomplished with zeal and perfection.

Most importantly, Drena was the pillar of bravery and tenacity to her family. She devoted much of her time just being with them hanging around the house or shopping with the girls. Her legacy will be one of love and compassion…with a touch of bossiness.

She is survived by her devoted husband Jim McCurdy of Lexington, her daughter Stephanie and Michael Jedra of Lexington; two granddaughters Theresa-Ann Jedra and Isabelle Jedra both of Lexington, sister Lynda Phillips of Mansfield, Mary Sarianides of New Port Richey, FL, a brother Joseph and Angie Sarianides of Accorth, GA; and a sister-in-law Vicky and Skene Bair of Greensburg, PA, an adopted daughter Brittany and Omar Garcia of Surprise, AZ, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Drena was preceded in death by her daughter Theresa Ann Wagner in 1992, a sister Margaret Sarianides, and a brother-in-law John Phillips.

Friends may call Friday, September 15, 2017 from 2-8 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 am. Friends may call the hour prior to the funeral. The Rev. Father Nelson Beaver will officiate and burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the ALS Association in honor of Drena's niece Beth Ann Popa Castelvetere may be made through the funeral home.

The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Drena McCurdy and condolences to them may be made by visiting:www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com