Samuel Draper

Samuel W. Draper, Jr., 72, of Martinsville, Virginia, went to his heavenly home Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was born March 22, 1953, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Samuel William Draper, Sr. and Shirley Tatum Dodson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Dodson; paternal grandparents, David Hairston and Ollie Hairston; maternal great-grandparents, Bud and Viola Tatum; and maternal great-grandmother, Arrie Hairston.

Samuel was a dedicated educator who served as a teacher for thirty-two years, shaping young minds at John Redd, Carver and Fieldale Collinsville Middle Schools. He was a proud graduate of G.W. Carver High School class of 1971. He went on to Winston Salem State University graduating in 1975 with his bachelor’s degree, where he often attended homecoming festivities every year. He also received his master’s degree at North Carolina A&T State University. Samuel devoted his life not only to teaching, but also to his faith as a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the deacon board and a devoted member of the senior choir. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures; he loved cooking fish, playing horseshoes, landscaping, and enjoying a good round of Bid Whiz with friends and family. Above all, Samuel had a deep and unwavering love for his family, who meant the world to him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Taylor Draper; daughter, Lateisha Fuller (Darrell); goddaughter, Jasmine Dandridge; son, Porouko Draper (Marvetta); sister Teresa Redd; brothers, Don Draper, David Draper; grandchildren, Rakeem Perkins, Quamarious Kirby, Tanaysia Blackstock; and great-grandchildren, Nova Perkins and Raylan Perkins.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel with Pastor Benjamin Redd officiating. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Garden. There will be a visitation one-half hour prior to the service. A floating visitation will be held Monday, July 28, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. The family will receive friends and family at the home.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.