Irene Drew

Irene Drew was born on December 11, 1942 in Bessemer, Alabama to Ethel Burton and Amos Naylor. She was the youngest of 2 children. She married William Drew in 1977. He proceeded her in death. She parted ways with life on Earth February 24, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL her only daughter Nikki and grandchildren by her side.

Irene moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1948 where she was raised and later had 2 sons. She was raised in a home led by Christ. Irene left Cincinnati for Illinois in 1970 where she would later meet her Husband and have 2 additional children. 

Irene was a loving, strict mother that wanted nothing but the best for her children and grandchildren. She worked hard to make sure they were taken care of. Food was her passion as she not only loved to cook but loved to eat as well. There was never an empty refrigerator or cabinet in her home. If you were hungry, she would feed you. She cooked full meals daily. The neighborhood knew, if you want a hot meal, go see Irene.

Irene never met a stranger. One of her greatest qualities was her sacrifice for others and made everyone feel like her friend. She would give you the shirt off her back, as long as it wasn’t her last one. She loved gatherings and helping those in need. If you need a place to stay, she would open her door. She would throw bbq's, card parties, and family gatherings and everyone was invited. She enjoyed bingo and the boat in her spare time. She also enjoyed her alone time. She would let you know when it was time to go. “I don’t know where you are going, but you got to leave here.” she would tell you.

Irene loved her grandchildren and instilled how important family is in them. She helped raise them and taught them life lessons. Her door was always open for them and their friends as well. She would treat them all the same. She was old school. She would love them, feed them, and discipline them all the same and everyone knew it. She loved her great grandchildren. When she seen them, both their faces would light up. She would be happy to see them, and they knew it was time to eat. She would keep snacks just for them.

Irene leaves to cherish her memories 1 brother, Samuel E. Burton of Cincinnati Ohio, 4 children Sam Ernst of Las Vegas,Nevada, Nathan Ernst (Valerie) of Naperville, Il, Doris “Nikki” Mosley (Trayton) of Urbana, Il, and David Drew of Cedar City Utah; 11 Grandchildren Terrance Ernst, Alishia Thomas, and Jayana Gordon all of Las Vegas, Kayonna Bufford, Shyanee’ Bufford, Akierra Bufford, Nakiyah Bufford, and Asante’ Bufford all of Champaign, Il, and Charli Drew, Naevi Drew, and Jerzi Drew all of Cedar City Utah; 1 God Grandson, Taylor Amos of Rantoul, 11 great grandchildren Omari, Xharia, Jassan, Khalil, Amaya, Jordyn, Prophet, Santana, Londyn, Syaire, and Leila Irene. She also left behind to mourn a host of cousins, aunts and uncles. 

She was proceeded in death by both parents, Ethel Burton and Amos Naylor, her husband, William Drew, and her Grandson, Jace Ernst.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday March 8, 2025 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave. Urbana. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. 

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