Dianne Bales Drawdy, 76, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff, following a period of illness.
Born on May 21, 1949, in Walterboro, SC, Dianne was the beloved daughter of the late Grady Marvin Bales, Sr. and Doris Smoak Bales. A proud 1967 graduate of Walterboro High School, she went on to attend Winthrop College. It was in December 1968 that fate brought her together with Martin Drawdy, the love of her life, in an Edwards Department Store in her hometown. Their whirlwind romance led to a joyful marriage on April 26, 1969, and a life filled with love, family, and shared adventures across South Carolina-including time in Walterboro, Georgetown, Dillon, Orangeburg, Lugoff, Barnwell, and finally Florence.
A gifted soprano, Dianne's beautiful singing voice was a hallmark of her life. From her school days in the Glee Club Girl's Sextet, Chorus, and All-State Chorus, to countless solos at weddings and in church choirs, her voice lifted spirits and brought comfort to many. Clemson football fans may remember her stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner-sung not on stage, but proudly among fellow fans in the stands.
Creative and talented, Dianne was also an exceptional seamstress. She lovingly crafted dresses for her daughters over the years, including the treasured wedding gown she made for her daughter Tina. She expressed her love through crocheted baby blankets, gifted to every new arrival in the family. A passionate genealogist, Dianne dedicated many hours to tracing her family's roots, preserving stories and connections for future generations.
Her love for family and community was evident in her actions-whether through her time as a Girl Scout and later a dedicated troop leader for Troop 428 in Lugoff, or through the joy she shared at Clemson football tailgates, where her orange cupcakes became legendary.
After dedicating many years to raising her family and supporting her husband, Dianne re-entered the workforce following therapy for a broken wrist. Her exceptional sewing skills led her to positions with RST&B Curtain and Drapery and American Apparel, where she worked for several years. Later, she transitioned into the healthcare field, joining PBGA of Florence where she processed insurance claims for the Tri-Care division of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.
Dianne is preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Doris Bales. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Martin Drawdy of Woodruff, SC; her three children: Tina Cloer (Thad) of Taylors, Christopher Drawdy (Melissa) of Pontiac, and Laura Temples (Chris) of Piedmont; and five grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Zoe Cloer, Nathan Cloer, Erin Noll, Aiden Temples, and Alyssa Temples. She also leaves behind her loving siblings, Cynthia Tanner, Bonnie Tompkins, and Marvin Bales; sister-in-laws Robin Bales, Connie Rich, and Anne Carter, brother-in-law Larry Drawdy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dianne's longtime caregiver, Margie Renock of Florence, whose compassionate care allowed Dianne and Martin to remain together at home for as long as possible; the dedicated staff at Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff; and her Amedisys Hospice nurse, Shannon, whose attentive care was a great comfort in her final days.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary, 257 N Main St, Woodruff, SC. The family will receive guests prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A simple interment will follow at Black Creek Baptist Church, located at 4931 Black Creek Road, Walterboro, SC, on Sunday, June 8, at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family in the area are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer's Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/Dianne_Drawdy
Published by Post and Courier - Greenville on May 30, 2025.