Rita Kennedy Drier

Rita Kennedy Gray Drier, (February 12,1957) loving wife, mother, daughter and grandmother departed this earth on June 20, 2023. She is survived by her father, Grover Kennedy and stepmother Mary Lou Kennedy. Her husband, Glenn Drier, three sons Steven Gray (Joni), Michael Drier (Heather) and Stephen Drier (Roberta) and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband Steven Gray Sr. Rita was born in West Virginia to Corrine and Grover Kennedy but lived most of her early life in Suffolk, Virginia. She was married to Steven Wayne Gray Sr. and was blessed with a dear son, Stevie Jr. Rita worked about 20 years in the Suffolk Public School System. She spent time working at both Nansemond Park Elementary and Kilby Shores Elementary in Suffolk and also served in a variety of organizations. She truly had a servant heart and worked tirelessly to make the lives of people better. She reminisced frequently about these good times and lifelong friends she made during those early years. Following the passing of her first husband, she met and married Glenn Drier. With that marriage she embraced his children as her own. She was quick to say she had three sons. While she loved all children, nothing compared to the love she had for her children and her six grandchildren. She embraced the role of grandmother with the same dedication that she had become known for. She was a doting grandmother to Stevie and Joni's three children, Ian, Eli and Dylan; Michael and Heather's daughter, Michaela, and Stephen and Roberta's two children, David and Emily. In retirement, she became a "snowbird" and spent time in Florida and Virginia. For the past 25 years, she traveled back and forth from Virginia to Florida which allowed her to spend quality time with all her kids and grandkids. She could often be found at their various sporting or school events or at the beach watching the kids surf. She and Glenn routinely took road trips with the grandkids to theme parks and nature parks. Rita loved nature and would enjoy sharing the beauty of a feather or special rock, plant or artifact with children. She also had an eye for beauty and loved to find items for others while shopping. When she wasn't spoiling her children and especially grandchildren, she and Glenn loved to travel. They were able to experience many fabulous destinations, Grand Cayman, Hawaii, Alaska and Europe to name a few. While they were able to experience many incredible destinations, Rita was quick to point out that what made the trips complete was her ability to share those experiences with family and friends! Rita had so many friends in Suffolk and Winter Haven that it would be impossible to name all the people Rita loved and whose lives she's touched. Suffice to say, Rita was a very special person who will be missed by all of us who loved her. May she rest in peace in the hands of God and know her job on earth was successful and her presence in the world made it a much better place.

Rita Kennedy Drier

February 12, 1957 - June 20, 2023