Drunette Keller Caldwell

Drunette was born in Charlotte April 12, 1924 to Jasper Allen Grooms and Nellie Driggers Grooms. She lost her mother when she was just a young child. Grandma, who was to take care of Drunette and her brothers and sisters was ill herself so the girls ended up taking care of Grandma as well as each other. Dru liked school and did well even though in high school she was only able to attend every other day because the housework needed to be taken care of. She graduated in 1941 from Oakhurst High School with honors. Drunette married Charlie on November 7th the same year. They made their first home near what is now called uptown. After more than 10 years of marriage, not being blessed with children, they adopted Charles Allen Caldwell in 1951. But to everybody's surprise, the couple was blessed with James Bradford Caldwell in 1963. Drunette wanted to contribute to the family's income and worked from home building her business. She loved working with people while making their life more beautiful. She built an excellent reputation as a florist, decorator, caterer and wedding planner. She enjoyed teaching the craft to who ever wanted to learn and was responsible for many successful businesses to spring from her expertise. Some still operate today. During the years of caring for her ill husband Charlie, Dru put all of her social activity on hold and sold most of her business assets. Drunette loved being part of a church family. Her and her family attended Whiting Avenue Baptist Church for many years till after Charlie's passing in 1988. When Charlie and Dru moved to the Hillcrest Apartment in 1986 they got to know Frank and Addie Keller. After Charlie Caldwell and Addie Keller passed away, Frank and Dru decided to combine households. They quickly became good companions and married in 1992. With Frank Dru enjoyed traveling all around the US. Frank also had many grandchildren so spoiling them became quickly a new venture for her. Dru was even able to re-use her expertise with flowers and weddings as some of these grandchildren married. Her knowledge saved the family a lot of stress and every event she was involved in went smoothly. Drunette Grooms Caldwell Keller you will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents Jasper Allen Grooms and Nellie Driggers Grooms, her 2 husbands Charlie Rozzelle Caldwell and Frank Charles Keller. Survived by: Charles Allen Caldwell of California and James Bradford Caldwell of Charlotte. Caldwell grandchildren: Alana Patricia Caldwell and Charles Edward Caldwell of California. In addition, 2 great-grandchildren. Keller grandchildren: Kimberly Keller Lucas, Robin Keller Booher, Allison Keller Weeks of Wilmington NC Christy Keller Brown presently in Nicaragua, Vikki Keller Thompson of Monroe NC, Richard Keller III and Caroline Keller of Weddington, NC, and 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also remembered are many nieces and nephews. -

Visitation Details

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 10:00am - 10:45am, Central Church of God

Service Information

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 11:00am, Central Church of God

Interment Details

Oaklawn City Cemetery