Patricia Ann Drew

Patricia Ann Drew, “Pat”, also known to her nieces and nephews as “Annie”, age 82, died on Saturday, June 2, 2018.
Pat was an accomplished artist, dedicated art educator, dramatic and engaging storyteller, good listener, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, mentor and counselor. She was dearly loved by family and many others in her enormous network of students, colleagues and friends.
Pat was a potter, sculptor, and painter. She produced several notable art exhibitions that were shown in galleries and museums throughout Georgia and across the United States, including her American Quilt Series: “American Family Quilt”,
“Spirited Ancestors”, and “Immigrants”.
She was intentional about impacting lives and encouraging others, particularly young people. Her influence was profound. She taught her family, students and everyone she met to love and appreciate art. She urged them to explore, open their eyes, exercise their brains, stretch creatively, and to express themselves. Art was the platform that she used to engage, inspire and share encouragement with anyone who would receive it.
Pat was was a native Atlantan, grew up in West End Atlanta, attended NAPS (North Atlanta Presbyterian School) and graduated from Westminster in 1952, she graduated from Wesleyan College in 1956 before beginning her career.
During the 1960s, in addition to teaching in public schools, Pat and her mother organized and led YMCA summer camps in Cabbagetown, Atlanta.
For more than 40 years, Pat taught art in public schools. She completed her practice teaching in Savannah before moving back to Atlanta, where she taught in Fulton County schools including, College Park High School, Feldwood High School, Riverwood High School and Chattahoochee High School. After completing a Masters Degree at Georgia State University she also taught art education classes there, she also taught private art classes from her own studio and around Atlanta.
She was a long-time member and the first president of the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA).
Pat was passionate about travel and made countless trips abroad including student tours, which she helped to organize and lead. It wasn’t uncommon for other tourists to follow her group as she lectured and led students through art museums, cathedrals and historical sites in Europe.
Pat Drew made significant and indelible impressions on numerous people. She is fondly remembered and her impact will be lasting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Tipton Johnson III (Bob), her sister, Laura Lee Drew Sillay, her mother Ruby Clyatt Drew, and her father, Levi Collie Drew.
She is survived by her two stepsons and their families: Noah and Holle Johnson and their three children: Hannah, Greer and Grayson; Matthew and Krysta Johnson and their two children: Mary Jane (“MJ”) and Lincoln, her five nieces and nephews and their families: Julie Sillay Hogan, Joseph Drew Sillay, John Mark Sillay, Laura Sillay Wakefield, and Merillee Sillay Brock.
Here are the details for her service including the link where we’d like people to register:
Celebration of the Life of Pat Drew
In the Gallery at MOCA GA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Sun, August 26, 2018
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Please click the link to register if you plan to attend the service https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Pat’s memory to one’s favorite arts or animal rescue organization.
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Mrs Drew was one of the most loved teachers at College Park High School. I never had her as a teacher but am truly sorry I didn’t. She probably could have helped me get out of the box I’ve stayed in with any artistic abilities I have. Even if you didn’t have her as a teacher she was always there for any student that just wanted to be heard. We have lost a true friend and one of the best educators there has been.
She will be missed.
I absolutely loved her. From drawing, making clay and plaster sculptures to
jewelry making. She was so patient with me when I broke many many of those little saw blades! Bless her for all her kindness and encouragement to me and everyone who was fortunate to have ever met Ms.Drew!
No better teacher anywhere than Miss Drew. She treated her students at College Park High School with such respect. I live you, Pat. RIP.
Thank you for your kind words. Our family has organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
She was my Favorite Teacher, a Mentor and later a Friend. I also photographed her eventual wedding to her long time love and had lunch with her just 3 years ago after she was widowed. Her reply to my regret of the death of her husband was, “We had a good Run and then I went right back to being the person I was before we met “. What a Spirit ! RIP my Friend, Love and I will miss you.
Thank you for your kind words. Our family has organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
Beloved by many, you will truly be missed! Thank you for wonderful memories, and making Art a part of our lives. RIP Miss Drew, you beautiful soul!
Thank you for your kind words. Our family has organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
RIP Ms. Drew. You were the best, May your memory al ways be for a blessing.
Thank you for your kind words. Our family has organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
What a great art teacher and friend while I was in High School in the 1960’s. I moved to Calif. after College and unfortunately lost contact with her. We spoke once years ago, and immediately picked up our closeness where we had left off. I feel so fortunate to have known her. My trip to Europe with her and our Tour Group in 1968 will remain a high point of my life. A beautiful human being in every way. You will be missed by all the many people whose life you touched !
Hello Mike, It’s Laurie (Sillay) Wakefield, Pat’s niece. If you are still in California, it may be hard for you to attend but we have organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
Rest in peace. Follow the path to heaven.
Rest in peace 🙏🏻
Miss Drew was one of the two favorites I had at College Park High School. Her art room at CPHS was just as unique and special as she was. She had the most beautiful hands and long fingers so unlike my short efficient hands and she told me if I would pinch my fingers that would help. I’d sit in church and pinch them! It would work for 2-3 min and then resume their pudgy shape. We kept in touch and my heart is broken that she is gone
Thank you for your kind words. She (and my grandmother) pinched my fingers too! We have organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
Pat was a very Special Lady. I attended her classes in her Art Studio at her home. I enjoyed my time with her, she was a very good teacher. I am glad that I met her and got to work with her. I loved her Work.
Thank you for your kind words. We have organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
we didn’t get to know you as well as we would have like. Blessing on this journey for you, Pat.
Sarah and Tim Broadway
Sorry we cannot be in town. I loved Pat dearly and miss her knowing you miss her more.
I am very sorry for your loss! May God comfort your mourning hearts! Our heavenly Father promises a time when not only will death be wiped away but those who have already fallen asleep in death will be woken up! Death is an enemy according to the Bible and it will be permanently taken out of the picture very soon! God cannot lie so we do not doubt that this promise will become a reality! (John 11:11-14, 41-44;
1 Corinthians 15:26;Titus 1:2)
Jw.org
My memories of Pat start at Wesleyan. She was a year ahead of me studying Art and I was studying Music. We Fine Arts students has a special bond. In later years I was delighted to be able to buy some of her note cards….still have one…it will never be mailed, possibly framed instead. I also was delighted to see her again at the Quinlin Art Gallery in Gainesville during one of her exhibits. We shared a joyous hug! Ah…good memories of a special friend.
Julie Hawk
Thank you Juliette,
We have organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on this Sunday, August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
Pat and I have been good friends for a decade…even though we met only a few times a year to do lunch, visit art places and talk art. I loved her and was awed by her gift and was so enriched by our visits. I think she was too. We laughed a lot and I listened to her fascinating stories. I think she had a sixth sense that I never quite understood but was amazed and intrigued by. Had not seen her since early spring and so surprised to hear of her death. I will miss her very much.
Thank you Judy. We were also amazed by her “Sixth sense”. Thank you for your kind words. We have organized a Celebration of Pat’s life on August 26, 3 PM in the gallery at MOCA GA. We’re asking folks to register if they plan to come so we can get an idea of headcount for planning. Here is a link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-the-life-of-pat-drew-tickets-48666300214
Pat Drew was truly an outstanding individual! I was fortunate enough to know her as a friend as well as a colleague. We worked together at College Park and Feldwood High Schools, and we traveled to Europe one summer. Unfortunately we lost touch over the years, but I would always hear about Pat through mutual friends She will definitely be missed!
Miss Drew (as I knew her) was my High School Art Teacher back in the late ’70’s. I had the chance to tell her how much she meant to me a few years ago. She was the ONLY person in my life who took notice of my artistic talents, encouraged me and laid out my future path. I followed that path and I have had a successful Graphic Design career and I am also currently selling pottery and my art.
I honestly don’t know where I would be today if she had not entered my life. I owe my life to her.
I am only learning now that Pat passed away. She was my art teacher at Riverwood High School in 1986 and one of the first people to encourage my creativity. I loved how she talked to us like we were regular, normal, intelligent people… not just “teenagers”. She encouraged my ceramic work and is a big reason why I went into the arts and am a ceramic artist today. She was and remains an inspiration.
Today 2024 I find out Mrs. Drew is gone.
I had art classes with her for all 4 yrs at
Feldwood High.
I’m so sad she’s not around. She encouraged
me in the graphic arts and my career lasted 33 yrs. I was looking to Forgive her for my last class in my last yr in school she saw a talent in me and I was to busy getting stoned.
She told me I wouldn’t make it in the art industry so I was mad and it pushed me to go to collage and be the 1st in my family to get a degree. My degree for Visual Communication
gave my a life.
So I wanted to say thank you for your words even as they were tough it pushed me into a
life of satisfaction and peace with the God given talent he gave me.