Emma Jane Drewry transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99. A beacon of strength, grace, and unwavering faith, she leaves a legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication to her family and God.

Funeral services celebrating her life will occur at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at New Life Tabernacle in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Her son, Rev. Dan Switzer, will officiate the service, assisted by son-in-law, Rev. Mike Conn, and grandson-in-law, Rev. Nathan Dormer. Following the service, burial will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, Oklahoma. A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday evening at New Life Tabernacle from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service in Sand Springs.

Emma Jane was born on April 28, 1926, in Snowball, Arkansas, to Carmon Dennis Taylor and Etta Jane (Hamilton) Taylor. She grew up in Snowball and graduated from Snowball High School in 1944, where she, her sister, and her brother developed a passion for basketball. Emma Jane maintained a strong connection to Snowball, and each year, one of her highlights was attending the annual Snowball Arkansas Reunion. Last year, she was honored as the last remaining classmate at their 80th high school reunion.

Emma Jane taught briefly at Burr Oak School, commuting by foot each week from her home in Snowball to be part of the small community. After teaching, Emma Jane obtained her cosmetology certification. Upon completing the course, she relocated to Marshall, Arkansas, and purchased her own beauty shop with a loan from her father. This was a significant accomplishment for a young woman in the 1940s, when single female entrepreneurship was not widespread. It symbolized the start of her journey as an independent individual.

Emma Jane married Rudolph Switzer at the age of 25, made her home in Harrison, Arkansas, and gave birth to her first two children, Danny Switzer and Cathy Switzer-Conn. She initially worked in the beauty industry but later transitioned to working in the garment district on the assembly line, making Levi Jeans, further demonstrating her resilience and adaptability.

After the couple went their separate ways, Emma Jane relocated to Wichita, Kansas, to be closer to her sister, Jewel. During this time, she married V.C. Drewry, who, like herself, was a Snowball native. The couple was blessed with two children, Vicky Drewry-Smith and Vinson Drewry.

Emma Jane's unwavering work ethic remained constant throughout her life. In her middle years, she embarked on a new career in the electronics and aviation industry, serving as an inspector. It has been said that you did not want her to inspect any of your electronic boards because she was sharp-eyed and would immediately identify any defects!

In 1991, at the young age of 65, Emma Jane retired. However, retirement didn't slow her down. Following the passing of V.C. in 1993, she moved to Sand Springs, OK, to be closer to her son Danny and niece Joan Berg. Emma Jane dabbled in various jobs over the next two decades, from serving at a donut shop to assisting "seniors" with household chores.  She found great joy in caring for her beloved dogs Peaches and Chloe, feeding the birds, and maintaining a beautiful home and garden, so much so that she was recognized in the Sand Springs Leader and received an award for her exceptional landscaping skills.

Her adventurous spirit eventually led her to the Heartland Community Retirement Center, where she continued embracing an active lifestyle. From attending church to mastering dominoes and puzzles, Emma Jane found a vibrant community of fellow retirees to share her zest for life.

Emma Jane Drewry lived a life of purpose, faith, and love.  Her legacy will live through her four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, with each generation being inspired by her unwavering commitment to God, hard work, perseverance, and her passion for playing dominoes and basketball.

Emma Jane is survived by her children: Dan Switzer and wife Janice of Sand Springs, Cathy Conn and husband Mike of Topeka, Kansas, Vicky Smith and husband Tony of Houston, Texas, and Vinson Drewry and wife Julie of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jeremy Switzer and wife Christi, Jason Switzer and wife Crystal, Amanda Mahony and husband John, Carissa Dormer and husband Nathan, Joshua Smith, Alexander Smith, Elizabeth Drewry, and Brennan Drewry. Her great-grandchildren include Rihanna Switzer, Ashlynn Switzer, Nevayah Switzer, Patrick Mahony, Jude Dormer, and Raileigh Smith.