Evelyn Jeanette Drye

Evelyn Jeanette Drye, 83, of New London, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Salem Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Neill Shaw. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Evelyn was born March 31, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Frank and Lucille Ussery. She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Otha Floyd “Jackie” Drye. She also leaves behind her children, Rocky Drye (Andrea) and David Drye (Elaine); grandchildren, Heather Strickland (Terry), Jamie Clark (Michelle), Bradley Clark, and David Drye (Nicole); and great-grandchildren, Riley Clark, Jasper Drye, Andrew Drye, Kendall Clark, and River Clark. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Chandler, and her brother, Lonnie Ussery (Diane). In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Drye, and her brother, Brant Ussery. She was the oldest of four siblings. Evelyn loved the Lord and was deeply devoted to her family. She found joy in serving others and had a kind and generous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, housekeeping, traveling, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. Evelyn was a talented beautician who owned and operated her own business, Kut & Kurl, and later served her community by driving a school bus for 14 years and working as a substitute teacher. Above all, she cherished her role as a homemaker and caring for her family. She truly had a servant’s heart and lived her life striving to follow the example of her Savior. Evelyn was loved by many and will be dearly missed until the day her family meets her again. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to their many family members and friends, as well as the staff of Cabarrus County Hospice, for the compassionate care and support shown to Evelyn during her declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Methodist Church Food Pantry, 20987 NC 73 Highway, Albemarle, NC 28001. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is honored to serve the Drye family.

Evelyn Jeanette Drye

March 31, 1942 - March 15, 2026