Linda Pearl Draper's Obituary
Linda Pearl Draper, age 72, passed away unexpectedly and went to meet her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 2, 2022. Her diplomatic arrival was April 10, 1949, to Rufus Tallie and Esther Brown in Oxford, MS. Linda was raised by her mother and stepfather W.T. Archie. Linda met the love of her life in high school where they started to date and joined the Church Rock of Life. They formed a traveling gospel group with her mother, cousin, and older brother, Thomas. Linda and Leland married a year later November 19,1964 in Oxford, MS. Linda encouraged Leland after his high school graduation to go back to school after being blessed with their first son in 1965, where he completed a trade in welding in Memphis, TN. He later then moved his wife and son there to join him. Linda and Leland moved up to North Muskegon, MI. While in Michigan they welcomed two more children then made their way to Chicago, after Leland secured a job with International Harvester. They purchased their first home and welcomed their 4th child. Linda was a proud mother and wife and took great pride in her home. She loved to decorate for the holidays, especially Christmas, which was her favorite. She also truly loved being surrounded by her family and friends in her home. She was a great hostess and enjoyed opening her home for family gatherings and outdoor barbeques. Linda loved to cook and was famous for her fried chicken! She was known for her generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. Linda had a love for music and owned a vast collection of albums. Linda and Leland went on to form their own R&B band, which was called TNT Perfection where she was one of the lead singers and a promoter for other acts traveling all over the mid-west. Linda became an AAU Ring side judge during her boys amateur boxing career for Harvey, IL boxing team. Linda and her husband promoted show fights with Joe Frasier boxing team. She was a true entrepreneur by heart and instilled this desire into her children to always take charge of their destiny. Linda recently returned to Muskegon, MI from Roswell, GA to spend time with family unaware of what the future would hold. Linda will always be remembered for her radiant smile and deep love for her family and friends. Linda will be truly missed by all who knew her! She is survived by her husband, Leland Draper Jr. of 57 years; 4 children, Rodney (Rose) Henderson, Leland (Maria Cerda) Draper III, Darian (Tamika) Draper and De’Lisa (Ronald) DuPree; 19 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Esther Archie, Brenda Brown, Christine Tallie-Bakley and Toni Marie Tallie-Lynch; 5 brothers, Lucious Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, Carl Wayne Tallie, James Melvin Tallie and Michael Fitzgerald Tallie; 11 sisters-in-law, Jeanette Brown, Pat Ray, Lexora Draper-Lester, Veria Payton, Varia Campbell, Brenda Edward, Olivia Draper, Rosie Draper, Joanne Draper, Sherry Draper and Denise Draper; 7 brothers-in-law, John Draper, Noble Draper, Billy Draper, Jim Draper, Terry Draper, Erry Draper and Ray Totten; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was welcomed into to heaven by her parents, Rufus Tallie and Esther (Joe) Kennedy, W.T. Archie; son, Tony Draper; and 5 siblings, Thomas Brown, J.T. Kenneth Archie, Zachary Kennedy, James Roy Tallie and Selena Tallie; parents-in-law, Leland (Lucile) Draper Sr.; and siblings-in-law: Arthur James Draper, Bobby Payton, Franklin Campbell, Howard Edward and Ruthie Mae (Peter) Abraham.
A Homegoing will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Viewing will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 13, 2022 and one-hour prior to the services at The Lee Chapel. Please share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
Topic: Home Going Celebration for Linda Pearl Draper
Time: Jan 14, 2022, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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