Clarice Cox Drexler, known to everyone as “Pretty”, concluded her 92-year adventure on August 4th, 2025, in Bunnell, Florida held in the loving arms of her son and daughter.
Born at home in Tifton, Georgia on June 16, 1933, to Gretchen Fuller Cox and Franklin Lloyd Cox, Pretty grew up in a world that she would proceed to fill with color, creativity, strong opinions, and a deep devotion to her family, faith, and country.
She was predeceased by her beloved parents; her husband, Henry Bennett Drexler; her brother, Robert “Bob” Cox, and Safeway (cat); and a whole host of friends and family who surely greeted her at the pearly gates with open arms. She is survived by her children Zeke Williams (Darcie), Liz Lowe (Kelly), and stepdaughter Lisa Tracey; grandchildren Ezekiel Williams (Marlee), Casey Williams, Olivia Taggart (Jon), Ryan Woodburn, Christine Woodburn, Kevin Lowe (Maleah), and Krystal Appiano (Brian); great-grandchildren Zeke IV, Zoey, Atlas, Ledger, Lenora, Aubrey, Austin, Autumn, and Goose (grand-dog). Her love also embraced her granddaughter-in-love Jenel Buxman, and great-grands Leilani, Madison, and Magnolia. She loved her Tanzanian daughter Sofia Mwankuga and grandson, Gashon Mwankemwa, who added an international branch to Pretty’s big, beautiful family. She leaves behind cherished siblings-in-love Susie Mae Wesley, Emmett Wilson, Phyllie Ann Hester, Freddie Lee Wilson, and Timothy Wilson. And with much chagrin, her cat Teddy.
Pretty was equal parts Southern belle and spitfire, a proud patriot with a deep love for her country. She was never shy with her voice, especially when it came to freedom flights, immigration reform (ask Marco Rubio), or making sure you voted in every election, preferably the right way. She brought that same passion to service, volunteering with everything from the Women’s Republican Club of Orlando to her college sorority, Mimi’s Kids in East Africa, REALM, and the West Orange Women’s League.
She had hands that could craft anything, from delicate dresses and toys to fine oil paintings and copperwork and a voice that could fill a sanctuary on Sunday mornings. As a dedicated member of the Methodist church, she raised her children in the heart of the congregation.
A true globe-trotter, Pretty’s answer to any travel proposal was always “When are we leaving?” She visited every continent but Antarctica (and honestly, she only skipped that one because it lacked decent shopping). One of Pretty’s favorite nicknames was “Bibi,” the Swahili word for “grandmother,” which she lovingly earned while visiting Tanzania on her 86th trip around the sun; she fondly reminisced often on this trip with her friend Michelle (Mimi) and her son, James Mwakyonde. She adored opera, live theatre, a good movie, and homemade meals from her friends, Katrina and Linda.
She loved God, her family, a good book, anything with sugar, frogs, her passport, wind chimes, a glass of Pinot Gris, Steve Harvey, and the sound of laughter. She believed in giving: her time, her talents, her resources, and she did so with unending generosity and joy. She loved a scoop of ice cream, especially with her dear friend Bruce and homemade cookies with Sheila.
In her honor, the family asks that donations be made to either of her two favorite causes: Mimi’s Kids and the Flagler County Drug Court Foundation — two places where her legacy of love, strength, and second chances will live on.
Clarice “Pretty” Drexler leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who cherished her, and a world that is better, and far more interesting, for having had her in it. We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, Pretty.
A graveside memorial service by Bowen-Donaldson Funeral Home will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at 11:00 am. at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 730 Magnolia Drive, Tifton, Georgia 31794.
The family would like to welcome you to join them for a celebration of life on Sunday, September 7th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Pellicer Community Center.
Pellicer Community Center, 1380 CR 2007, Bunnell FL, 32110.
Mimi’s Kids
Mimi began her mission, Mimi’s Kids, after spending the summer in Tanzania in 2012 at the Knapp Baptist Orphanage with 42 children. The orphans were kidnapped the following year and displaced. Mimi, along with a small team of people in the U.S. & in Tanzania found each child. To secure safety for them, the best next step was secondary boarding school, but that cost money that wasn’t available. Mimi’s mission to find sponsorship for each child was born through this horrific experience and she’s been tirelessly working to take care of these amazing children ever since.
https://impactchangetogether.org/mimis-kids-africa
The Flagler County Drug Court Foundation
The Flagler County Drug Court Foundation’s mission is to support and promote the Flagler County Drug Court program, helping individuals recover from substance abuse and lead productive, healthy lives through community engagement, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
https://fcdcfoundation.org/donate.htmlvailable.