Nadine Drummond

Nadine B. Drummond left her earthly body Feb. 3, 2013 to be united with her Lord and Saviour. She passed away peacefully at Flower Hospital after three weeks of treatment, surrounded by family and listening to some of her favorite, old gospel tunes. Nadine was born at home, Jan. 29, 1923, in Louisville, Tenn. to Richard and Ella George. She was one of four children; all preceded her in death. As a young girl, Nadine was a self-described tomboy, enjoying the outdoors and playing basketball at Friendsville High School. She often recalled life in the country, which included picking blackberries in the Great Smoky Mountains, helping her mother with canning produce, playing outdoors and teasing her slighter younger sister whenever possible. The two George girls always liked fashion, often wearing outfits sewn by their mother. As teenagers, they sang on the local radio station. Visiting cousins and the art museum up North was Nadines first exposure to Toledo. She moved to Toledo in 1952 as a young bride and mother. After her first marriage ended, Nadine married James E. Drummond on Oct. 24, 1961 and began another phase of her life when they moved to Whitehouse, Ohio in 1968. She enjoyed many years of camping, particularly at Walden Woods in Angola, Ind. where the family owned property. Nadine always was quick to support the activities of her husband and children. Over the years, that included everything from sending care packages to her son in the military, attending horseshows as her daughter competed, learning photography with her husband and ice-skating for the first time at the age of 40. She lived her Christian faith daily, helping those in need often total strangers. She cooked for and fed anyone who needed it and prepared personal packages for inmates leaving the former Toledo House of Corrections, where her husband was employed. Together the two worked with inner-city children while helping establish a church at the Toledo YWCA. That compassion extended to animals, which she loved and collected throughout her life. Widowed at 70, Nadine displayed a remarkable strength as she forged a new life alone. Her great source of inspiration was her faith. She loved attending church events with friends from Emmanuel Baptist Church, shopping trips and dining out with family, and vacations to the Bahamas, San Francisco and Marcos Island. In the last decade of her life, Nadine again displayed her fortitude when she sold her house and moved to Sylvania with family. There she enjoyed decorating her new home, walks at Olander Park, preparing for holidays, reading, word puzzles and spending time with her pets, family and friends. Her family is grateful to all who have cared for her health needs, notably Dr. Nancy Stadler, Dr. Jonathan Wright, and Dr. Thomas Pappas; along with countless nurses, health aides and doctors at Flower Hospital. We also thank Betty Lykins, Nadines friend of 60-plus years, for her love and support. Mom: wonderful memories will sustain us at this time and we know you are rejoicing in Heaven and dancing with Dad to The Tennessee Waltz. We Love You. Nadine is survived by her son James C. Sharon Hightower; daughter Dee Drummond Paul Hem; grandchildren: Jimmy Jacquelyn Hightower; Tye Amy Hightower; Robyn Jeremy Sharninghouse; Alaina Hem; Paul Casey Hem III; Alex Megan Hem; 12 great-grandchildren and two nieces: Gail Don Milks and Sharon Robert Tatum. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Walker Funeral Home on 5155 West Sylvania Ave. A memorial service will immediately follow. A consideration for a memorial donation is the Cherry Street Mission in downtown Toledo. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com