Elizabeth Ruth Barnett was born on May 19, 1956, in Lancaster, PA to parents Genevia and Leo Barnett. On Saturday, July 31, 2021, Elizabeth transitioned peacefully, surrounded, and supported by her family, following a brief but courageous battle with colon and liver cancer. Elizabeth (or as she was affectionately known to family and friends, Butchie) graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1974. In high school, Elizabeth excelled as an all-around athlete and fierce competitor in Varsity Basketball and Tennis. After high school, Elizabeth continued to compete in various community leagues in volleyball and softball. Elizabeth was a key member of the championship-winning Coastal Cardinals. Always up for any challenge, Elizabeth worked as a skilled machinist at ATACS Antenna Corporation and was a cable installer for Comcast. But it was her work with the intellectually disabled community that revealed her true talent in working with others. Her strict hand and nurturing demeanor made her a standout at Impact Systems, where she served as the Supervisor of 3 community living sites. For 21 years, Elizabeth supervised a sheltered workshop at HandiCrafters in Thorndale, PA where she often ran the workshop as well as catered the food for the cafeteria. In 1999, Elizabeth married Thomas Draper and moved to Lincoln University, PA. Together, they raised Jennifer Lynn, born in 1983, and Brian Thomas born in 1991. Nathaniel Jr. (NJ) and Xavier, her grandsons were true and eternal sources of joy. Elizabeth remained a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother all the days of her life.
Elizabeth was a faithful member and worker at Trinity African Union Methodist Protestant Church in Zion, Maryland, where she was the Co-Chair and Secretary of the Trustee Board; Assistant Pastor Steward; President of the Steward and Stewardess Board; President of the Usher Board; Assistant Clerk/Secretary; Member of the Senior Choir; Superintendent and Teacher of the Sunday School; President of the Reverend Jeanne D. Brown Scholarship Fund Committee; Assistant Director of the Junior Choir; a member of The Ray Gospel Singers; and Chief Cook for many delicious Sunday dinners, Chicken and Fish Dinners, Prayer Breakfasts, and for special occasions. At the Conference Level of the African Union Methodist Protestant Church and Connection, she was a Church Delegate representing Trinity AUMP Church and a faithful member and Secretary of the Sunday School Association. Elizabeth is survived by her husband Thomas Draper; daughter, Jennifer Quattlebaum (Nathaniel) and son, Brian Barnett; 2 grandsons, Nathaniel Jr., and Xavier; siblings Philena, Velma, Stephanie, Marcellus, and Marina (William); Godchildren, Aisha and Xavier, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, family, friends, and co-workers. She is preceded in death by her mother, Genevia Barnett, and father, Leo Barnett, and her brother, Stewart Barnett, and sisters, Beverly Jackson and Wanda Lawson. Elizabeth was an avid Phillies baseball and Eagles football fan. She was an outstanding cook, and we can’t imagine a family gathering without someone fighting over her famous chocolate cake, pies, and rice pudding. Always a jokester, Elizabeth will be remembered for her mischievous wit and easy smile. She was a consummate and accomplished professional, had an incomparable style and a commanding presence. Elizabeth was a living testimony to the power of faith and obedience to God. Her strength and perseverance during her illness were inspirational. Butchie, Aunt Butchie Mom Mom, was our favorite aunt, best friend, jokester, and caregiver. We love you and will miss you dearly #3. You were the glue that held us together. A Home Going Service will be held 11 am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Trinity Church AUMP Church, 174 Trinity Church Rd., North East, MD 21901, where friends and family may visit from 9-11 am. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford, PA. On-line condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. Comments are closed.
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