Obituary: Drema S. Bolin

Drema is survived by her husband, Ray Bolin, daughters, Shannon Bolin and Kim Benson (Joe); son, Scott Sigman; sisters, Patrician Shelton (John), Sherri Perry and Kelly Ramsey (Mark); brother, Charles B. Smithers; friends, Susan Jackson, Jackie Frey, Diane Landy and Rose Hudson; and lots of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her beloved sister, Sandra; and parents, Charles and Mirian Smithers.

Drema was born and raised in Belle, W. Va., and attended University of Charleston, where she became a registered radiology technologist. She married Ray on Jan. 22, 1971, and the couple moved to Ocoee.

In 1973, Drema started working at West Orange Hospital, in Winter Garden, in the Radiology Department and has had many leadership roles there and at Health Central Hospital, including director and assistant director. She was recognized as Employee of the Year and was the longest tenured employee when she celebrated 41 years in August.

She enjoyed playing softball, then coaching her daughter Shannon’s team in Ocoee and was famous for the many trips and words of wisdom shared in her “Mommy Van.” She vowed never to drive a van after Shannon graduated and has since enjoyed numerous sports cars.

She never met a animal she didn’t like and raised many critters in West Virginia and Florida (except frogs). She was a rabid Florida Gator fan, who was too nervous to watch the game real time but faithfully watched every game Sunday morning — unless BFF Susan Jackson asked her to watch the FSU/Florida game.

She was generous, loving and  loyal to family and friends. She cherished time they could spend together.  She did have a mischievous side and loved a good prank and loads of laughter. Drema was adventurous to a point, as long as it didn’t involve getting in water, where there were creatures you couldn’t see. But, she would go to the beach any time to work on her tan. She loved traveling to Paris, St. Thomas, Brussels and West Virginia to spend time with her extended family.

Drema was a kind, caring and compassionate care giver at Health Central Hospital who knew most of the patients by name. She was dedicated to her radiology staff whether teaching, coaching or just being there to listen or hold a hand. Her greatest gift was an innate ability to connect with anyone in a very meaningful way the minute she met them. And to leave a lasting positive impression that will truly be missed by her family, friends, co-workers and the West Orange community.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Drema Bolin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Flowers or a donation to the SPCA are appreciated.