Augusta Loretta Drane (Nee Sloan), was born the oldest of ten children to the union of Rev. Charles N. and Luberta Sloan in Cotton Plant Arkansas on July 1, 1939. The family moved to Cleveland, OH in 1943. She attended Cleveland Schools where she graduated from John Adams High School in 1957.
She met her husband, James Wilson Drane, Sr. in the Miles Heights neighborhood where their families lived. James became a member of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church where her father, Rev. Sloan was the founding pastor. James became a deacon at the church. They married July 6, 1957, and had five children. They remained together until his passing in 1989.
Augusta was continually active at Bethesda MBC. she served the church in many capacities including, Deaconess, Trustee, Choir President, Young Matrons, Missionary Society, and the Willing Workers, etc. As charter members Augusta and her sister Geraldine were two of the church’s first official choir members. Augusta sang while Geraldine played piano. She sang in the choir as long as Bethesda’s doors were open. Afterward she united with Hope Alliance Bible Church in 2021 where her son and daughter-in-law are members. She was welcomed as a vital member and enjoyed participating in Bible and Discipleship classes.
Augusta was employed by governmental agencies. She was employed as the Division Director of Navy Finance Retired Pay where she remained until she retired in 1988. Augusta was an excellent seamstress, she designed and made wedding and prom dresses for many. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and was an excellent baker and cook. She was a skilled bid-whist card player and could beat you even when dealt a bad hand.
James and Augusta were world travelers and often went to exotic locations with family and friends. Her travels took her to places such as Spain, France, the Caribbean and many other destinations.
Augusta was well-loved by her family and friends who showered her with love. She made everyone feel welcomed and showed unconditional love, also living by the love of Jesus Christ . Augusta nurtured and cared for all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as children in her extended family.
She leaves to mourn her passing five children, James Jr. (Cheryl) Drane, Deborah Drane, Michelle Cordell, Cassandra Campbell, and Andrea McKelvey. Six brothers and sisters, Geraldine Galloway, Dolphis (Priscilla) Sloan, Queola Brooks, Mary (Ronnie) Simmons, Tandy (Angela) Sloan, John (Pamela) Sloan. Eleven grandchildren and Fourteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her many nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren.