Iris Draper, age 99, of,
Bristol, Va passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Oakmont at Gordon Park,
Bristol, Va. She was born on June 12, 1924 to the late Jesse Monroe Mumpower and Nannie Elizabeth Mumpower in
Appalachia, Va. She married the love of her life, Delmar Ketron Draper in April of 1945 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995, just prior to his passing in November 1996.
Iris was a devoted wife and homemaker for many years and did not work outside the home until after their three children were almost out of school. She loved working in her flowers, cooking, sewing and working outside, along with her husband. She was very active in community affairs, was PTA president for many years at Valley Institute, Cub Scout Den Mother and Pink Lady at the old Bristol Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Beech Grove United Methodist church for over 75 years and was a charter member of the Women's Society of Christian Service. In 1992, she retired from the
Bristol, Va Division of Motor Vehicles. Iris always had a warm and engaging personality, she never met a stranger and was always willing to help, whatever the need. She treasured her family dearly and will be truly missed by all.
In addition to her husband, Iris was also preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Howell. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Eads and husband Glen of Abingdon, Va; her son Mark and wife Emily of
Bristol, Va; one brother, Richard Mumpower of
Rossville, Ga; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and another due in late December and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 1:00 pm in the chapel at Akard Funeral Home with Reverend Emmit Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, prior to the service. The committal service and interment will be held at Glenwood Cemetery,
Bristol, Tn., immediately following the funeral service.
Pallbearers: Nehemiah Draper, Roger Brown, Donnie Maggart, Mark Schafer, Tom Hutton, Ike Anderson, Chuck Haderer, Frank Barnett. Honorary pallbearers: Glen Eads, David Sims, Phil Fleenor, Bill White and the United Methodist Women of Beech Grove.
The family would like to thank all of the staff and caregivers at Oakmont at Gordon Park, Dr. John Mann and Elite Hospice in
Bristol, Va for all their compassion and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Niswonger Children's Hospital, 400 N. State of Franklin Rd., Johnson City, TN. 37604.
Condolences may be sent to the family at akardfuneralhome.com
Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St.,
Bristol, TN (423) 989-4800 is proud to serve the family of Mrs. Draper.