Obituary: Caroline Lee Drews

Caroline Lee Drews, 84, passed away Nov. 9, 2023, following a stroke. She was best known for her positive attitude, sharp wit, amazing people skills and “stick-to-it-ive-ness” (perseverance through challenges). Caroline was a loving wife and mother who was dedicated to her family, her career and her community. She was an inspiring role model to many.

Caroline was born Nov. 29, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas. She spent her early childhood in Big Spring, Texas. Her family moved back to Fort Worth during her middle school years. Caroline attended Paschal High School in Fort Worth and graduated as the valedictorian of the Class of 1957. Caroline started her college education at Rice University but left when she married Jerry Drews in 1958 and went on to have three daughters. She resumed her studies at Texas Christian University, graduating with her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1972.

Caroline had a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. She worked for 25 years at Price Waterhouse Coopers and its predecessor companies. She started her accounting career in the audit practice and transitioned to human resources, where she found her calling in recruiting and professional staffing. After her retirement from PWC in 1993, Caroline leveraged her business management and HR skills to fill needs at various churches in the communities where she lived.

Caroline was a lifelong member of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, where she participated in the handbell choir, Women's Circle and Christ Care group. During their 12 years living in Laguna Niguel, California, Caroline and Jerry attended Geneva Presbyterian Church.

Caroline enjoyed playing bridge and other card games with her parents, husband, daughters and friends. While living in Grand Prairie, she played duplicate bridge at bridge clubs in Mansfield, Arlington and Fort Worth, and even on a few cruise ships. Caroline and Jerry also loved hosting and attending friendly Texas Hold'Em games with their poker group. The camaraderie was so much more important than the chip count.

Caroline's greatest passion was caring for her disabled daughter, Barbara. The two were best buddies, sharing daily rituals, inside jokes and "butterfly kisses." They played online word games, watched Jeopardy together and took monthly road trips to a casino in Oklahoma to play the slot machines. The “winner” bought dinner, and the two laughed, sang and played driving games all the way home.

Survivors: Husband of 65 years, Gerald Edward “Jerry” Drews; daughters, Cynthia Barr and husband, David, Kathryn Kranen and husband, Kevin; and Barbara Kinard; and her grandchildren, Daniel Barr, Dr. Rebecca Barr, Kyle Kranen and Kayla Kranen.

Caroline was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Annetta Harris; father, Albert “Lee” Harris; and her brother, Roger Taylor Harris.

A Celebration of Life service for Caroline will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., with a reception to follow at 3:30 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home, 3100 White Settlement Road in Fort Worth. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Boys Town (boystown.org) or St. Jude's Hospital (stjude.org) in memory of Caroline Drews.

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