Amy Anne Draves

Amy Anne Draves, 66, of Anderson, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Amy was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her friends, her church, and her dogs. Amy was born on June 19,1955, to Paul and Ollene Nicolia in Inkster, Michigan, where she and her three brothers were raised in a home filled with music, family and love. Amy graduated from Utica Eisenhower High School in 1973, and went on to further her education at Central Michigan University. In early 1976 Amy went to Germany and spent a year working as a nanny while making lifelong friends. Coming back home, Amy met Kevin who adored her, in a very short-time they fell in love and they were married on December 2, 1977. Amy’s dream of being a stay at home mom came true, with the blessings of her 3 children who Kevin and Amy raised in Bad Axe, and Highland, Michigan. Amy also enjoyed playing the piano and singing at church. In 1997 Amy and her family moved to Anderson where she started her ministry as the Children’s Pastor at Wesley Free Methodist serving their for almost 17 years. In 2007 she experienced one of the special highlights of her life when she was ordained a minister in the Free Methodist Church. Later she continued on with her calling as she served as assistant children’s pastor at Outlook Christian Church in McCordsville, IN for six years. Through out all of her ministries, she organized small group women’s Bible studies along with writing hundreds of notes to all who touched her heart. In the past twenty-five years she made so-many visits to hospital and senior living facilities for she also and a big place in her heart for the sick and older friends who helped touch her life. Amy’s love of God, kind and gentle spirit, love of all people especially children, fed into her gift of discipleship. With her being diagnosed with Ataxia in 2015, she with a dear friend Teresa Coccaro who is also afflicted with Ataxia, formed the central-Indiana Ataxia support group. Amy was a fantastic and loving wife, mom, and grandma. In her time here on earth she was a blessing to so many, truly a “Child of God” Amy is survived by her loving Husband Kevin; Son Joseph Draves; Daughter Sarah Bryson (John); Son Daniel Draves; Brother Tim Nicolia (Sharon); Brother Steve Nicolia (Carrie); Sister in Law Johanna Nicolia-Adkins; Sister in Law Barb Lee(John) Grandchildren Molly Bryson, Mya Bryson, Luke Bryson, Wesley Draves; Many beloved nieces and nephews; Special Life Long Friends Susan Naessens, Dee Harrington, and Mary Greyerbiehl. Amy was Preceded in death by her Mother Ollene Nicolia; Father Paul Nicolia; Brother Thomas Nicolia. All scheduled activities will take place at Wesley Free Methodist Church, located at 3017 W. 8th Street, Anderson, IN. Visitations will be held Monday, January 31st, from 2-8pm, as well as Tuesday, February 1st, from 12-2pm, followed by her Celebration of Life service at 2pm. Memorial Donations can be made through NAF’s website ataxia.org, or mailed to National Ataxia Foundation, PO Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 55427. In 2014 Amy was diagnosed with Friedrich’s Ataxia. Amy started a Local Ataxia support group, and was recently in a clinical drug study, which showed much promise.