It is with heartfelt sympathy, we announce the passing of Ms. Beatrice Drew, 93, of Tinton Falls, NJ, who departed this earthly life on Thursday, June 4, 2026. 

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE CHAPEL (850-942-1950).

Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Tillman of Tallahassee Chapel, with the interment to follow in St. Paul A.M.E. Church Cemetery, 9469 Road to the Lake Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32317.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

Ms. Beatrice "Bea" Drew was born in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida on August 22, 1932. She was the beloved daughter of Eli Drew and Bertha Robinson Drew, both who preceded her in death. Bea was the only child born to Eli and Bertha.

"Bea", as Beatrice was lovingly known, grew up in Tallahassee where she attended the-then public schools of Leon County. She was a graduate of Tallahassee's original Lincoln High School. From Lincoln, she attended and graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU), having majored in Elementary Education. Upon graduating, she began an illustrious teaching career in Philadelphia. From there, she taught school in New York City (Manhattan), from which she retired after 32 years of dedicated service.

One who regarded her employment as her hobby, Bea loved children and found great joy in working with them and insuring their development. She had a kind and kindred spirit, yet she could be direct and firm whenever she was required to be.

Bea had a long-term love interest with the famed instrumentalist, Dr. Donald Byrd. He was founder of the musical group, Donald Byrd and the Blackbirds. He also was a professor at Howard University and the recipient of several internationally-recognized awards, including Tonys, Emmys and Grammys. Sadly after over 30 years of courtship, Donald preceded Bea to Glory.

Bea never married nor had children of her own. However, God blessed her by putting in her life two angels, her precious cousins, Eli and Martha Gilliam. As Bea's health declined during her advanced years, the two of them moved Bea into their home where they cared for her with the tenderest of love. It was in Eli and Martha's home where God called Bea Home for her eternal rest. She leaves several other loving relatives, including: Geneva Gilliam, Evant (Gloria) Gilliam, Marcus (Arlease) Gilliam, Deborah Twitty, Esther Felder, Augusta Renee Robinson Rollins, Samuel (LaGreta) Long, Jr., Stacey (Keonta) Kirby, Robert "Bobby" Bookman, Rita Bookman Gates, Pamela Bookman and cousin-godsister, Marion Robinson (Arthur) Gardner; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. 

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Ms. Drew and to serve the Drew family.