Mildred I. Murrell

Mildred I. Murrell (Draper) was born on October 9, 1942, in East St. Louis, IL, to the parents of Lenora Williams and David Draper. Mildred moved to Kansas City, MO, as a child in the early 1950s. She found her relationship with God at an early age and was an active member of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church throughout early adulthood before attending Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Tommy Williams.

Mildred attended Lincoln High School. After graduating, she married Roy Ward in 1963, with whom they raised four children. Mildred dedicated her life to caring for her family and loved ones. She had a passion for helping others and excelled at multiple crafts, including sewing, dressmaking, and interior design. She spent much of her professional life working as a caretaker and seamstress.

Mildred married Rufus Murrell in 1980 and spent thirty loving years together until his passing on January 6, 2008. She loved playing cards and hosting events such as holiday and birthday parties, Thanksgiving dinners, Easter egg hunts, and other family gatherings.

In 2000, Mildred was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and provided a grim prognosis. However, through her faith in God and personal strength, she was able to overcome cancer numerous times in the following 25 years. Mildred transitioned to her eternal home on April 7, 2025, at 82 years of age.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Lenora Williams and David Draper; husband, Rufus; one brother, George; one sister, Josephine; two children, Roy Jr. and Sharon; and grandchildren, Jamill and David McCain.

To cherish her memories, she leaves her son, Anthony Draper (Sylvia); daughter, Sandra Draper; 9 grandchildren, Nicole Laidlaw (Mike), Quincy Draper, Quinten Draper, Shanora Mosely (David), Anthony Dedner, TaKeisha Dedner (Marvin), Gabriel Draper (Kenya), and Derrik Ward (Robyn); 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.