Eddie Draper Obituary

EDDIE C. DRAPER
Eddie C. Draper was born on August 3, 1938, to the late Arther and Annie Bell (née
Clay) Draper. He professed his faith in God early in life on the mourner's bench and
became a member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Eddie made singing
his service to the Lord. With music in his blood from both Arther and Annie Bell, it was
no surprise that he had a uniquely beautiful voice. Mother Annie Bell once shared that a
family friend, enchanted by young Eddie's voice, came by daily after work to sing with
him-until she scolded the friend for straining her child's voice. As a young man, Eddie
sang with a group and received professional voice training.
Fondly known as "C" by family and childhood friends and as "Bruh Bruh" by his baby
sister Vivian, Eddie was a good son and a loving brother with deep devotion to family.
Like many country boys of his time, Eddie began working early in his life and proudly
contributed to the household income. One of his first jobs was cleaning at Fraley's
Grocery Store. Though the pay was good, it required Sunday shifts. After a talk with his
father, Arther, about the importance of faith and church, Eddie chose to quit. His
obedience opened doors to new opportunities - driving a school bus and his most
coveted job: shining shoes at his Uncle Alonza's barbershop, where his father also
barbered. He earned enough to contribute to the family income and even "keep
something in his pocket" to pay for sweetheart Julia's ticket to basketball games. When
Eddie moved away, his brother Robert proudly took over the shoe-shining job. Later,
cousin Bernard Johnson recalled happily being next in line.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." [Philippians 4:13]
Eddie received his early education on the old M & I College campus and later attended
Noxubee Colored High School. Upon graduation from high school, Eddie moved to Chicago in 1957, a time known historically as The Great Migration. He often recalled the
bus ride to Chicago with Julia's best friend Mary Jean Joiner Reynolds. With
amusement, he recalled that he was "starched and ironed", wearing new white penny
loafers and carrying a shoebox of food prepared by his mother that his Chicago cousins
devoured when he arrived.
In Chicago, cousins Ruth Andrews, Ethel Jordan, and Mattie Harris welcomed Eddie
and Julia with warmth and guidance. Their example helped the young couple adjust to
city life and pursue their dreams. On August 14, 1957, Eddie began working at
Reynolds Metals Company.
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."
[Proverbs 18:22]
On June 6, 1958, Eddie married his childhood sweetheart, Julia Mason, and together
they had four children. In his early years in Chicago, Ed worked not one but three jobs to support his growing family-an act of resilience and unwavering commitment that
defined his character. Even while juggling those demands, he held fast to a vision for a
better future. His faith, work ethic, leadership skills, and technical knowledge led to
steady advancement. With the unwavering support of his smart, loving, and faithful wife
Julia, he was eventually able to work just his Reynolds job, take college courses at
night, and earn an associate's degree in business. Their partnership-rooted in love,
faith, and shared purpose-fueled his determination and made every step of his journey
possible. Eddie united with Orleans Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago. He sang with
and directed the Orleans Missionary Baptist Church choir and was honored on a yearly
basis by the church and choir members with a Director's Appreciation program. When
he and his wife Julia moved their membership to Third Baptist Missionary Baptist
Church of Chicago, he became a devoted choir member there.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart."
[Psalm 37:4]
In Chicago, Eddie and Julia purchased a home, educated their children, and owned and
operated The Children's Village Daycare- Kindergarten. On February 1, 1993, Eddie
retired from his management position as Chief Inspector and from over a decade of
service on the Board of Directors of the Reynolds Metals Credit Union.
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." [John 15:12]
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." [Philippians 4:4]
Upon retirement in 1993, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to Macon,
Mississippi. Back in Macon, Eddie returned to his roots at Macedonia Missionary Baptist
Church. He served faithfully as a Deacon, Director of the Senior Choir, and Founder and
President of the Brotherhood Ministry. Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, Ed opened
Mr. Ed's Place, where he cooked his famous burgers, fish, fries, nachos, and breakfast sandwiches-and even resumed his boyhood trade of shining shoes. Ed was a
charismatic man, a great cook, and a true "foodie."
Eddie was proud of his Southern roots. His roots and work ethic were so ingrained in
him that he often saw himself in other hard working young men and never failed to
encourage them to keep going. Ed loved hunting and fishing and often served up
squirrel and other Southern favorites-free of charge-to those who dropped by to chat
and reminisce. It was no surprise that Mr. Ed's Place became a community hub for old
friends, neighbors, and visitors from near and far.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for
evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the
lowest hell. [Psalm 86:12–13]
Eddie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On the morning
of May 4, 2025, the Angel of the Lord appeared and closed the eyes of our beloved
Eddie C. Draper. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kennith Draper; sister, Annie Will Draper; daughter, Towanda Michelle Draper; son, Dwaka Edmon
Draper; and a special cousin, Lavon Draper.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Julia Mason Draper; two children, Barry (beloved Diana)
Draper of Calumet City, IL, and Melody Draper (Oliver "Tam Foote") Ellis of Macon, MS;
two sisters, Ola Draper Stark of Chicago, IL, and Dr. Vivian Draper of Tupelo, MS; one
brother, Robert Arthur (Dorphine) Draper of Macon, MS; three grandchildren, Barry
Kenneth Draper of St. Louis, MO, Myles Oliver Ellis of Jackson, MS, and Jordan Nicole
Draper (Charles III) Cathey of Chicago, IL; one great-grandchild, Charlie Diana Cathey;
three nieces, Dawn Draper (Jackie) Jackson, Drs. Torialyn Draper (Tylon) Crook, both of
Atlanta, GA, and Brandi Stark of Chicago, IL; one nephew, Tryence A. Mason; one aunt,
Gladis (Frank Sr.) Draper; five sisters-in-law, Alden Mason (beloved Mervin) McKinney,
Dorphine Mason (Robert) Draper, Mary Jean Mason Bland, Merlinda Mason (beloved
William "Boo") Oliver, and Mary Joyce Pruitt (beloved Lucious) Mason; one brother-in-
law, James (beloved Clara) Mason; Mason family nieces and nephews; cherished
cousins from the families of Alonzo Draper, Frank Draper, Sr., Rosie Bankhead, Sally
Davis, Edna L. Sykes, Mary C. Tate, George Clay, Joseph Clay, Robert Clay, Ruth
Andrews, Ethel Jordan, and Mattie Harris; and a host of other relatives and friends who
will sorely miss him.