Dorla Dean Draper (known as Nana by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) left this world on September 9, 2022, at the age of 91. Dorla was born in Brady, Texas, to William and Bernice Davis on December 13, 1930. She spent most of her life in the place she loved most, Field Creek, Texas.
Dorla married the love of her life, Glynn Draper, on July 1, 1949. After marrying, they settled down in Houston to raise their three boys: Larry, Gary, and Barry. Upon Glynn’s retirement, they returned to Field Creek where she spent the remainder of her life enjoying the home and land she loved so much. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Dorla. She loved being the hostess and welcomed any opportunity she could to shower those she cared for with her Texas hospitality. She delighted in hosting dinners for her high school friends from Llano High School, class of 1948, where they feasted on delicious fried chicken, more sides than you can count, and enjoyed hours of great conversation and fellowship. Hosting Thanksgiving dinners for her children and grandchildren and Christmas parties for neighbors and friends were events that Dorla looked forward to each year. Dorla treasured her time outside on her beautiful property where she spent hours perfecting her “green thumb” while manicuring her lush gardens. When the days were too hot or when the night fell, she could be found inside enjoying card games, playing dominoes, solving puzzles, or working on her exquisite quilts and crochet pieces.
Dorla also loved spending time in her kitchen cooking, baking, and admiring the focal point outside of her kitchen window, the “condo hummingbird feeder,” which attracted countless hummingbirds each day. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren savored her delicious meals and homemade snacks and treats. The arrival to Nana’s house was always met with eager anticipation because they knew she would have spent hours in the kitchen making all their favorites – “Trash,” Ice Box Cookies, Ranch Oyster Crackers, Brisket, and especially the famous “Nana Pound Cake!”
Dorla was preceded in death by her parents and son, Barry. She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Glynn Draper; son, Larry and wife Terri; son, Gary and wife Judy; and son Barry’s widow, Robyn. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chris and wife Erica (Daughter - Brooke), Jennifer and husband Donald (daughters - Mara and Graisa), Andrew and wife Kirsten; Laura and husband Justin (son - Noah); Jody and wife Jessica (sons - Dade, Seth, daughter - Rachel), Cody and wife Lauren (son - Bennett, daughter - Ellis); Christopher and wife Missy (sons - Brody and Bryce).
Funeral Services will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in Llano, Texas, on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 1:00 p.m. Dorla will be laid to rest in Houston, Texas, at Forest Park Lawndale on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Drapers ask that you send donations to your local Volunteer Fire Department.