Draxie Myers, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 29, 2020, after a short battle with COVID-19 at Riverside Hospital. There she joined her beloved husband, Archie, for whom she had a longing. They fell in love at first sight in 1951 over a hot dog stand in downtown Newport News and never stopped until his passing in 1992.

Mom is preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Newsome, two angel grandchildren, great-grandchildren June Myers, an angel great-grandchild, and more angel great-grandchildren Hope, Faith, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Joy, and Selah Jane Snyder. She leaves behind four children: Ernie Myers (wife, Debbie), Ronnie Myers, Kathy Warren (husband, Hal), and Bonnie Myers (husband, Rex Scarborough). She also leaves behind grandchildren Josh Myers (wife, Sarah), Cal Myers (wife, Sterling), Jonathan Warren (wife, Susie), David Warren (wife, Ira), Christabel Snyder (husband, Andrew), Seth Warren (fiancé, Jack), and Joseph Warren (wife, Daryl).

Mom’s three great passions in life were Jesus and her church, gardening/flowers, and grandchildren/great-grandchildren. Before her falls necessitating a move to the Devonshire, she rarely missed a Sunday at West Hampton Baptist Church, where she had been a member for over 52 years. The only times she missed were to see her son or grandson preach at their church or go to her other grandchildren’s church. She loved eating out with them, enjoying stories of their weeks, and talking to them anytime they called.

Gardening and flowers were dear to Mom. Early in the morning was her favorite time, and you would see her out in the yard right about dawn. She said it had to do with being raised in the country and getting up for chores before school or play. Her thumb was green all the way up—a green arm, really.  Her “chores” were keeping the house spotless and taught that to her kids and grandkids and cooking that was out of this world. Archie would often say of her fried chicken that Colonel Sanders had nothing on his honey.

Mom would spend time with us children, teaching us and reading to us when we were sick. She really spent time with her grandchildren. She was retired by then and had them at her house regularly. They bowled in the back hallway, climbed the apple tree outside, made squash patties on Fridays and made cakes with chocolate frosting, walked or drove them to school, played Bingo at the mall during breaks and summer, had the most fun garage sales with them, and just enjoyed life. She went to Busch Gardens, rode the ferry, and went to Disney with her grandkids.

Mom’s life was full and long. She lived well, loved others and Jesus, and left a lasting legacy that others can follow. The saddest part was ending in a COVID-19 death that could not have been foreseen but could most likely have been prevented. Wear your mask, wash your hands, stay 6 feet apart, and get your shot. Mom told me that.

Mom will lie in state on Wednesday, January 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Parklawn

Memorial donations, in Mom’s name, may be made to West Hampton Baptist Church, 631 Aberdeen Rd, Hampton, VA 23661 (www.whbcnow.org/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.