Drewery, John Franklin
John Franklin Drewery began his earthly journey on Aug 12, 1944 in Roanoke, Virginia and traveled to his final destination on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 in Covina, CA. He was the second oldest of 5 boys from the union of the late Ellis Seabron and Fern Elaine (Warren) Drewery.
He lived the first 8 years of his life in Tuskegee, Alabama. There he attended St. Joseph’s elementary school. After his parents divorced, his mother and her 5 boys moved to Blacksburg, VA to live with his grand mother
Arriving in Blacksburg, VA in 1952, John Franklin finished his Elementary schooling and went on to enter High school at Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII). Like his older brother, Ellis, he learned how to cut hair. He became a master barber and graduated in the class of 1962.
Being raised by a single parent, who was receiving a total of $50.00 per month child support for 5 boys, Frank, like Ellis, wanted to help his family. He went to work briefly in the same barber shop with his brother Ellis. After graduating from High school, Frank went to live with his uncle John in Washington,DC. He continued barbering with his uncle on the Marine base in Quantico,VA.
He started working for the U S Post office saved his money and in 1965 he married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Johnson from Christiansburg,VA. From this union were born 2 children. His daughter Jana Nicole and his son John jr “Jay”. John Franklin attended American University in Washington,DC where he studied criminal justice. After graduating, he worked several years as a police officer for the United States Park Police.
In 1976, he moved to Los Angeles, California where his 4 brothers were residing. In California, he started a career in real estate and worked as a security officer for many years at Santa Monica community college.
John Franklin became a Mason and rose up the ranks to become a Master Mason. He met his girl friend CC, who was by his side through the worse of his sickness. She took excellent care of him until the very end of his life.
Frank loved traveling all over California. One of his favorite places to visit was Yosemite National Park. Frank enjoyed meeting and talking to new people. He was unique and special.
Preceding him in death were his 2 brothers, James in May 2023 and Ellis in July 2025. Cherishing his memory are his children Jana, Jay, and Tasha. His 2 loving brothers Beverly and Carl Drewery. 7 Grand children, Jebre, Jali, Jacob, Mason, Noah and Journey. A host of nieces and nephews, over 30 grand nieces and nephews and a large extended family of cousins, relatives and dear friends.
Though he has left this earthly life, we take comfort in knowing he now rests peacefully in God’s eternal embrace. May he rest in everlasting peace.
There are special people in our lives
Who never leave us, even after they are gone.
Your life was a blessing
Your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words
And missed beyond measure.
Goodbyes are not forever
Goodbyes are not the end
They simply mean I’ll miss you
Until we meet again.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 am in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, 150 Country Club Drive SW, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060.
Acknowledgements
We, the family, extend our most sincere gratitude for your prayers and all expressions of love. Your thoughtfulness was truly appreciated. May God bless you and keep you.
The family of John Franklin Drewery
