Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary - Woodruff

257 North Main Street

Woodruff, South Carolina

Dianne Drawdy Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post and Courier - Greenville on May 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dianne Drawdy

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

The Staff of Lanford Funeral Home

May 30, 2025

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Dianne Drawdy's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Dianne Drawdy

Jun

8

Interment

2:00 p.m.

Black Creek Baptist Church

4931 Black Creek Road, Walterboro, SC 29488

Funeral services provided by:

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary - Woodruff

257 North Main Street, Woodruff, SC 29388

How to support Dianne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dianne Drawdy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more