Joan Elizabeth Drewel

Joan Elizabeth Drewel, 83

Joan Elizabeth Drewel of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Winter Haven Hospital.

She was born August 27, 1938 in Zolfo Springs to the late Harold and Wistalone Licht; she moved to Lake Wales from Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1999. Joan was a retired controller for Edwards Pie Company and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales.

Joan entered an adventure with Don three years into their married life when he accepted a basketball scholarship to Memphis State University. All this, while expecting their first child. They were living in MSU student housing when Beverly was born. Joan was a trail blazer, raising Bev and Donnie, as a working mom while Don traveled extensively for his sales career. A career that took them from Memphis to Ft Lauderdale, Florida then to Stone Mountain, Georgia. Joan excelled in her own accounting career, retiring as a controller with Edwards Baking Company in Atlanta. Don and Joan sold their home in Stone Mountain to retire to Lake Wales in March, 1999.

Joan’s giving spirit was an example for all.  She loved the Lord and she loved her family. Joan volunteered wherever there was a need. Her crocheted afghans were prized by all who were fortunate enough to be gifted with them (or who won them at Prime Timers). Her empathy for others was manifested in many ways, especially through her membership at First Baptist Church in Lake Wales. She coordinated all visitation to hospitals, visited homebound members of FBCLW, provided support for Don in his role as a deacon, and anywhere else she could help!

Joan’s family was her richest treasure. Next to her role as Don’s wife and partner, being Grammy to Bev and Donnie’s children was her favorite part of life. She and Don traveled extensively with them on RV trips, weddings, and family holidays. Joan loved fishing with Don on area lakes and the Kissimmee River. Her fish fries were a delicious part of her culinary skills, a skill lovingly passed down to her children.

Joan is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don L. Drewel; daughter, Beverly Joan McVean (Scott) of Bozeman, Montana; son, Don Lee Drewel, Jr. (Josie) of Vero Beach; sister, Eunice Herko (Mike) of Florida; brother, Charles Scarborough (Daisy) of Florida; niece, Sher Doud (Chuck); great niece, Katey; great nephew, Josh; grandchildren, Dawn (Matt), Bree (Garet), Chase (Briana), Andie, Dillon (Sarah), Dakota (Sonora), Dalton, Zachary, Zeke, Zeb (Xochitl), Zandee, Zeth, Zane, Zaylee, Don Lee, and Deja; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Avery, Ella, Penelope, Ezra, Zion, Savanah, Riley, Grace, and Jace.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. In remembrance of Joan Drewel's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to: Senior Adult Ministry, First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, 338 E. Central Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853.