Retha Elizabeth Lassiter Draper peacefully passed away October 28, 2009. She was born in Northampton County, NC the daughter of the later Fannie E. Brown and Herman Lassiter. She was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, Luther Garland Draper, Sr.; her son, Luther Garland Draper, Jr. She was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Mary Elizabeth Small of Suffolk, VA; grandchildren, Debra S. and Dan Boehing and Sandra S. Luter all of Suffolk, VA; great-grandchildren, Courtney, Joshua, Madison, and Christian; sister Audrey Woodard of Hampton, VA; brothers Edward Lassiter of Newport News, VA and Albert Lassiter of Suffolk, VA; numerous loving nieces and nephews, and loving caregiver Peggy. Granny will be truly missed by all who were blessed by her love and wisdom.

A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 2pm at Milwaukee Cemetery in Milwaukee, NC with Rev. Jerry McLeod officiating. Friends may join the family Friday evening from 7 to 8 pm at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial donations may be made to the Southside Baptist Church Building Fund at 917 Carolina Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434 or the March of Dimes, Attn: Susan W. Smith, 860 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 502, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.