Genevieve Eley Drewery, 98, died on Monday, February 20, 2023. Genevieve was born on July 22, 1924 in Norge, VA to Robert and Evelyn Eley who predeceased her as did her brothers, Edwin and wife Roberta and Francis and his wife Beatrice. The family moved to Newport News in 1940, where she later met and married, Milburn Drewery in 1946. They were married four months shy of 50 years when he died in 1996. They had one child, Betty Drewery DeLoach who was killed in an auto accident in 1978 in Columbia, SC. Genevieve accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age at Olive Branch Church in Norge. After moving to Newport News, she became a member of Denbigh Baptist Church in 1941 where she continued to worship until her death. During those years she was active in the choir, teaching Sunday School and Junior Church, and was a member of the Ladies Bible Class, the Mission Board, the Joy Missionary Circle and the SPUDS (Senior Group). She retired Civil Service at Ft. Eustis, VA in 1979, after more than 33 years of civil service, retiring as a Management Analyst. She enjoyed her family, church, traveling, golfing, swimming, oil painting, reading, people and life in general,. Except for North Dakota she visited all the other 49 states. Her most memorable and talked about trip was to Israel in 1993 with her husband and a group from her church. After a stroke in 2002, her activities and outing were limited, however, she continued church attendance. Reading became her main "stay at home" pleasure and enjoyment and she always enjoyed visitors.

She is survived by her two grandsons, who were the love of her life, Jeff Deloach and John (Chris) Deloach and his wife Tara; great- granddaughter, Isabella Deloach. She is also survived by her nieces, Virginia (Dee) Adams of Newport News and Judy Eley of Williamsburg; a devoted and faithful housekeeper / friend /care giver; and Sister in Christ, Arlene Rekrut of Yorktown; and a number of close and precious friends. She greatly appreciated the support team whom she considered precious friends and who aided her in so many and various ways, especially providing transportation to functions and appointments.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Denbigh Baptist Church with Senior Pastor Rick Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at 10 AM in the church. Interment will be at 3 PM in Peninsula Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Denbigh Baptist Church, 13010 Mitchell Point Road, Newport News, VA 23602.

Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.