Honorary Pallbearers Deacons of Saint John Baptist Church

Pallbearers

Trustees of Saint John Baptist Church

Honorary Floral Bearers Deaconesses of Saint John Baptist Church

Floral Bearers

Nannie H. Burroughs Missionary Circle

Committal, Benediction and Interment Lincoln Cemetery

Repast

Roscoe C. Wilson, Sr. Fellowship Hall Saint John Baptist Church

Acknowledgements We the family of Naomi H. Dreher, are sincerely grateful for all the expressions of love, care and concern shown during the passing of our loved one. We pray that God will continue to bless and keep you individually and collectively. Special thanks to Ida Miller, Linda Derrick, Cheryl Beard, Mary Bailey, Lutheran Hospice and Vigilant Home Health Services.

Services Entrusted To:

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Naomi Joanna Hall Dreher

Monday, March 26, 2018 Two o'clock in the Afternoon

Saint John Baptist Church

3404 West Beltline Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina

Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham

-Pastor-

Order of Service

Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, Presiding

Organ Prelude Mr. Byron Counts Processional Opening Hymn Choir and Congregation Scriptures Old Testament – Psalm 27 Reverend Alphonso Counts Old Testament- Psalm 121 Reverend Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Pastor, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Washington, DC New Testament- II Timothy 4:5-8 Reverend Daniel Canty New Testament- Revelation 21:1-6 Reverend Preston Wilson Prayer Reverend Todd A. Brown Pastor, New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Orangeburg, SC Musical Selection Ms. Regina E. Williams Presentations The Honorable Steve Benjamin Mayor, City of Columbia SC House of Representatives Representative Leon Howard Reflections Milton Kimpson Deacon Board Chairman Emeritus I.S. Leevy Johnson, Esq. Family Friend

Medley of Hymns Dr. Ronald H. High, Benedict College

B

Reflections Mrs. Jeanette Dozier National Association of University Women Ms. Yvette Thompson Saint John Baptist Church Preschool Dr. Damara Hightower Dean of The School of Education, Benedict College Musical Selection Mrs. Joyce Patterson Reflections Roscoe C. Wilson, Jr. Family Friend Elizabeth Hall Davis Cousin Benjamin L. Hall, III, Ph.D., J.D. Nephew Mrs. Jessica S. Fludd Granddaughter Mrs. Brittani M. McElveen Granddaughter Church Resolution James Whitmire Chairman, Trustee Board Musical Selection Words of Comfort Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham Recessional

Naomi Joanna Hall Dreher "Service Before Self"

On the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2018, after 94 years of life and legacy, Naomi Joanna Hall Dreher peacefully departed this life in her home at 3614 Oscar Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Greeleyville, South Carolina on February 16, 1924, Naomi was the youngest and only surviving daughter of seven children born to the late Reverend Benjamin L. Hall, Sr. and Mrs. Annie E. Commander Hall. When Naomi was nine months old, the family moved to the Booker Washington Heights community where she affectionately became known as "Sister". This sweet, well-spoken young lady matriculated through the Richland County Public Schools system, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received her B.A. degree from Benedict College in English Education. At a young age, Naomi was an avid pianist and became a faithful, dedicated member of Saint John Baptist Church. With the encouragement of the Deacons and other members, she was given confidence as "their child" to play the organ. This was, ultimately, the beginning of what would become 50 years of service and dedication to the music program at Saint John. In April 1945, Miss Naomi Hall married her neighbor Mr. Wilbert Dreher. To this union, 3 beautiful daughters were born- Wilber Anne, Ione and Sharon. Over their 59 years together, they established several businesses within the community in which they were raised. With her inherited thirst for knowledge and while starting her family, Naomi continued her studies at South Carolina State (College) University where she received a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education. Her

desire to remain current in the field of educational research motivated her to further study at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, the University of South Carolina and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her passion for teaching children in her community propelled Naomi to embark upon a career in education that would span over 62 years. Within this time, she served in a myriad of mentoring, teaching and training capacities. As teacher, she served both the Burton-Pack and Watkins - Nance Communities at the former Sarah Nance/Booker Washington Heights Elementary School and Burton/Farrow Road Elementary School. Following the integration of Richland School District One, she left the classroom to break barriers by becoming a district consultant and being hired as the first African-American to work in the Personnel Office interviewing and hiring new teachers. During this time, while her youngest daughter was attending the newly integrated W.J. Keenan High School, Naomi established the first Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and served as the its first President. The pine trees on the campus of the now W.G. Sanders Middle School are a testimony to her hard- work and dedication. With her kind heart, fair and honest nature, Mrs. Dreher served as principal of both Waverly Elementary and Watkins Elementary. In 1987, after having served as principal of Watkins Elementary School for seven years, Mrs. Dreher retired from public education. All 43 years of her distinguished career in public schools were devoted to Richland School District One. As a tribute to her success as an educator and administrator, the district named the courtyard at Watkins Elementary School in her honor. The courtyard was later moved to the new Watkins-Nance Elementary School on Barhamville Road. Given that “service above self” was Naomi Dreher’s motto, her life did not stop at retirement. Later that year, she began a new career at her alma mater, Benedict College, where she made invaluable contributions as Director of the Minority Access to Teacher Education (MATE) and the African-American Teacher Loan (A-ATLP) programs. These programs encouraged and assisted many students in pursuing a career in teaching. More than 100 minority students were hired as teachers across the

country during her 18-year tenure at Benedict. To date, Benedict College awards annual MATE Scholarships to deserving students pursuing careers in education. Mrs. Dreher's service went above and beyond the classroom. She was committed to her family, church, education and community and lived by the mantra, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.” In the church, she was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the Saint John Preschool, served as a member of the Board of Trustees, member of the Deaconesses Board, General Missionary Organization, Nannie H. Burroughs Missionary Circle, the Preschool Curriculum Committee and served on the board of the Saint John Preschool Board. In addition, in the community she served on various committees, was appointed by State Treasurer the late Grady Patterson, to serve on the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions. Mrs. Dreher was distinguished as the only female member to serve on the board for 10 years. Naomi H. Dreher was a member of several professional and social organizations, including but not limited to the National Association of University Women (NAUW); “Life Member” and “Golden Soror” of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; South Carolina Education Association-Retired (SCEA-R); Phi Delta Kappa; National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); Benedict College Senior Alumni Association; and the United Way of the Midlands. She has received countless honors and awards over the years, including the Dr. John M. Davis Distinguished Educational Achievement Award presented by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and in 2014 was inducted into the Richland County School District One Hall of Fame. Mrs. Dreher was well- respected and led an exemplary life. Her impact on family, community and work was extraordinary. She was known for her style and grace along with an infectious smile. She was humble and appreciative of persons whom she met. Her guidance, kindness, and generosity were felt by those who knew her.

She was affectionately known as “Gigi” to her grand and great -grandchildren whom she adored. She attended many of their extracurricular activities, when possible. One of her greatest joys was listening to stories about their personal lives and challenges. "Gigi" would often offer support, encouragement and her honest opinion. In addition to sharing conversations, they enjoyed eating many of the delicious meals that she prepared. Recipes have been passed along to her children and grandchildren through the years. Her presence and “infectious” smile at the “Sunday Dinners” will be missed. Mrs. Naomi Hall Dreher was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 59 years Wilbert Dreher, siblings, two sons-in-law Robert C. Minnieweather, Curtis D. Wells and her closest sibling Benjamin L. Hall, Jr., whom she lovingly called “Brother”. Her undeniable legacy will be cherished by her three daughters, Wilber Anne D. Wells of Columbia, South Carolina, Ione D. (Thomas) Saxon of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Sharon D. Minnieweather of Columbia, South Carolina. Her seven grandchildren, Kyle (Carla) Wells of Atlanta, Georgia, Kara and Kristyn Wells of Columbia, South Carolina, Jessica (Marlin) Fludd of Irmo, South Carolina, Jennifer Saxon of Oxford, Mississippi, Jonathan Dreher Saxon of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Brittani (Derek) McElveen of Atlanta, Georgia. Five great-grandchildren Nia, London, Jarin, Naomi and Kolton. Three dear cousins Elizabeth H. Davis of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Esther C. Marioneaux of Charlotte, North Carolina and Madelyn C. Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia. A devoted niece Naomi E. Hall and nephew Anthony (DeMaris) Dreher of Columbia, South Carolina, adopted family members Carolyn and Jayson Horne of Columbia, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.