Wanda Lee Drury

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Wanda Lee Drury, who was called home to the Lord at the age of 95. Born December 17, 1930, in Kelso, Missouri, Wanda was the daughter of the late Fred P. and Freda Heisserer Burger. She attended St. Augustine Elementary in Kelso, St. Mary's High School in Cape Girardeau and Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. She was a woman of extraordinary faith, strength, and grace. Her life was a living testament to the Gospel-rooted in love for God, devotion to the Catholic Church, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. Her home was always open, her presence constant, and her love unconditional. She took immense pride in her family, supporting each of them wholeheartedly and faithfully throughout their lives. To her family, she was a steady foundation of love, wisdom, and encouragement. Her faith guided every aspect of her life. She was deeply committed to her parish, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Notre Dame Regional High School, the Catholic Church, and the education of future generations in the faith. She believed strongly in the importance of a Catholic education and dedicated much of her life to supporting Catholic schools, churches, and faith-based educational initiatives. Her generosity helped provide scholarships, strengthen parish communities, and support the development of facilities that serve both education and worship. In a quiet and humble way, she also established lasting charitable endowments, including initiatives created in honor of her family, that continue to support evangelical ministries and missionary efforts around the world-helping to send individuals to teach, preach, and share the Gospel across many nations. Though much of her giving was done without recognition, its impact will be felt for generations to come. Her legacy of generosity, faith, and service extended far beyond what can be fully known. She believed in helping wherever there was need, doing so with humility and love, always pointing back to God as the source of all goodness. The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caregiver, Bonnie Summers, and to her entire support team, who provided compassionate care during her final years. The comfort they brought to our mother and grandmother will always be deeply appreciated. She is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many dear friends, and all those whose lives were blessed by her presence. She was also a maternal figure to so many beyond her immediate family, offering guidance, care, and support to anyone who needed it. She will be remembered for her deep faith, her boundless generosity, her devotion to her family, and her lifelong commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. She is survived by her children, Dan Drury (Melissa Ensor), John (Anita) Drury, Diane Drury-Janet (Rob) and Ken (Robin) Drury; her brother, David Burger; her grandchildren, Jordan (Keasha) Drury, Jamie (Matt) McDowell, Justin (MacKenzie) Drury, Ashley (Adam) Gerry, Dylan (fiancee, Jennifer) Drury, Colton Edwards, Natalee (Blake) Valentine, Lexis Edwards, Morgan (Connor) Thrower, Koby Drury and Kendall Drury; along with many great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, friends and many relatives. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Donna Kay; a granddaughter, Lacey Edwards; her parents, Fred and Freda Burger; and her brother, Norman (Betty) Burger. A life so faithfully lived is now rewarded with eternal peace in the presence of the Lord. "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23 Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the church, with the Rev. Rick Jones officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Lacey Nicole Edwards Foundation for Youth Evangelization in care of St. Vincent de Paul Church or to the Wanda L. Drury Legacy Scholarship in care of Notre Dame Regional High School. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Wanda Lee Drury

December 17, 1930 - May 2, 2026