Evelyn Smith Drayer

Evelyn S. Drayer, 89, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 8, 2026, in Davidson, North Carolina.

Born in Nashville, TN, she was the eldest of three children, helping to raise and nurture her brother and sister from an early age. She met her future husband, John, in 1955 in Clearwater, FL, just before he shipped out for Navy service aboard the U.S.S. Lexington. They cultivated their lifelong romance through more than 700 letters written between then and 1957 when they married in Clearwater.

For their 50th wedding anniversary, their son Dan Drayer produced an audio portrait of their love.

http://dandrayer.org/portfolio/john-evelyn-50th-anniversary/

Evelyn lived in Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and for most of her life in North Carolina. She received her bachelor’s degree from Belmont College in Nashville and her master’s from Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs. She proudly taught elementary school for 37 years, was twice named Teacher of the Year, and influenced the lives of more than 1,000 students during her career. She continued to help children while serving as a Guardian Ad Litem in North Carolina. For decades, she was a devoted member of PEO International, fostered special relationships within it, and supported scores of women who benefited from PEO scholarships. Evelyn served as a Stephen Minister at Davidson United Methodist Church.

Her greatest losses were to be predeceased by John in 2024 and by her daughter Debbie Drayer Collins in 2014.

Those who knew her remarked on her generosity of spirit, someone who would always want to help and check on other people’s welfare. She smiled broadly and giggled infectiously. Countless people at The Pines, residents and staff, routinely told Dan, “We just love your mother so much!”

Evelyn loved to read novels by Anne Rivers Siddons, Jacqueline Winspear, and Pat Conroy. She was an accomplished cook and baker. You would be a lesser person if you never had her fried okra, sauteed yellow squash with onions, or blackberry cobbler, which she used strategically one summer to teach her nephew Tim how to straighten up and fly right. Like her son, she had been known to toss out an entire pound cake because it did not turn out like she wanted. Scallops stood no chance against her. Prime rib was a close second. And prosecco, yes, plenty of bubbles. She was circumspect about cats in principle but adored and cared for the family’s felines. She sang joyfully along with Patsy Cline, Barbra Streisand, and Johnny Mathis.

Evelyn believed teachers should encourage students to, “feel secure enough to ask questions and make mistakes without any loss of self-esteem. Every effort should be made to help each student experience some success in learning each day.”

Survivors include Dan (Sarah Porges), sister Lunette Arledge, brother Jim Smith (Gwen), sister-in-law Marty Cantu (Lou), and eight nephews and nieces and their spouses.

The family deeply appreciates the staff at The Pines in Davidson and VIA Health Partners for their boundless compassion and care.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 3PM at The Pines.

Memorials in Evelyn’s name may be made to:
The Pines Employee Appreciation Fund
400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com