Margaret Draper Eskew, age 93, passed away in her sleep on May 18th, 2025, after a long illness. She was born in Atlanta, GA, on April 28th, 1932, to Dr. W.L. Draper and Belva Ducote Draper. The family, including her now deceased brother, Leonard, moved to Birmingham, AL where Margaret Ann attended her beloved Edgewood Elementary (and skipped Second Grade!).
After graduating from Phillips High School, Margaret embarked on what she would describe as the best year of her life – her freshman year at Auburn University. While at Auburn, she met fellow student Harold Eskew when he “cut in” during a dance at the Student Act Building. They married June 8th, 1952. They had four children: Susan Greene (Jeff), Hal, (dec.), Cathy Collier (Les), and Doug (Jill). They were also Grammy and Grumpy to ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
In 1963, Harold and Margaret moved to Huntsville, AL. Even though Margaret cried the whole drive to Huntsville, she learned to love her new home. She was an active Phi Mu alum and loved playing bridge. However, Margaret was really in her element at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where she was, among other things, a religious ed teacher, the parish coordinator for Meals on Wheels (for at least 35 years), founder of the Edenderry Social Club (a monthly gathering for senior members), and organizer of meals after funerals. When she saw a need she filled it, as long as it didn’t require any meetings. Margaret was a great friend to many, and she treated everyone, regardless of status, with kindness and respect.
The Eskews would like to thank Dr. Philip Roth and his staff, Aveanna Hospice, and Bluefeather In-Home Respite Care for the extraordinary care they gave our mother. They treated her like family, and we will be forever grateful.
Services will be Saturday, May 24th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 625 Airport Road SW, Huntsville, AL. 35802. Visitation begins at 9:00 am, and the funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am. There will be a luncheon in the Parish Hall immediately afterward. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals on Wheels. https://mealsonwheelsamerica.org/donate/
