Funeral services for the Rev. Jasper Drew Sr., 81, of Bainbridge, were held Saturday, Sept. 11, at St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church in Thomasville, Ga., with Bishop Williams P. DeVeaux Sr. officiating.

Interment was held in Thomasville Cemetery with ministers of Albany/Valdosta District and the Thomasville/Bainbridge District acting as pallbearers.

Born Sept. 12, 1928, in Thomas County, Rev. Drew passed away Sept. 5, 2010, at his home.

Pastor Drew went into the ministry in the 1950s. He was educated at Morris Brown College and is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at The Interdenominational Theological Center. A dynamic minister for more than 50 years, he pastored churches in South Georgia, West Savannah and Augusta Conferences. He served as Presiding Elder of the Waycross District, as a member of the board of examiners for candidates for the ministry in the South Georgia Conference, and on the Ministerial Efficiency Committee.

Survivors include his wife, Mae Eva Drew; five sons, John, Jasper, Jerry, James and Joe Drew; nine grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 11 adopted children; a sister, Lillie Mae Banks; a brother, Leroy Drew Sr.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Hatcher-Peoples Funeral Home of Thomasville was in charge of the arrangements, with Bruton Mortuary handling local arrangements.