Alison Draves

Alison Draves became a princess in heaven on September 11, 2007. Alison was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, dancer, singer, musician, student, mentor and friend. Alison and her family moved to Alliance in the summer of 2006 and she had been especially happy in the past year in this wonderful community, growing into a strong, confident, kind and vibrant young woman. Alison was truly an incredible person accomplished in academics, music and dance. She was an avid student who embraced the joy of discovery and learning. She won numerous awards such as an Ohio Academy of Science superior rating and Ohio Wesleyan University Science Scholarship award.
Alison shared her exuberance toward life through a wide variety of creative expression.
As a sophomore at Alliance High School, she was a member of the Show Choir and arranged its routines. As a performer with AHS musical productions, she was proud when her role expanded to choreographer. Her remarkable work included choreographing shows such as the 2007 spring show High School Musical. She was a proud member of AHS band, playing clarinet, and was a member of the flag squad. She deeply loved her band friends.
Alison has been dancing since first grade, first in Conway, Arkansas and then in Monmouth, Illinois. She was passionate about her dancing and especially enjoyed dance competitions where she always found joy in her performing and the accomplishments of her friends. Alison had an outstanding stage presence and energy on stage that the world will miss. In Ohio, Alison leaves her beloved dance team of Avondale Dance Centre where she beautifully performed jazz, ballet, lyrical and tap and had such wonderful teachers and teammates.
Alison was also a Disney fanatic and adored Disney shows, characters, costumes and especially her special family trips to Walt Disney World. At the young age of 13, Alison planned a land and sea Christmas Disney vacation. She developed and organized the itineraries and designed the family t-shirt for the first day at Magic Kingdom for 17 family members, ages 18 months to 80 years. With her drive and grace Alison would have undoubtedly accomplished her goals of being one of the princess characters at Disney, then achieving stardom on Broadway and finally being named the CEO of Disney, bringing joy to families with her own very magical way.
Alison was the cherished daughter of Patricia and Jeffrey Draves and the adored sister of Benjamin and William. She loved spending time with her brothers, goofing around, playing at the beach and going to Moby Dick's. She was also the granddaughter of Jean and Clyde (Clyde is in heaven with her) Draves and Veronica and Thomas Holland, all who loved her so much. She also leaves her aunts, uncles and cousins with whom she loved spending time on Cape Cod.
She leaves so many precious friends, too numerous to name, that she admired and truly loved with great zest. Alison was a role model for all through her kindness, joy of life, selflessness, trustworthiness and self-assured direction. She was truly a gift to this world. Her family is thankful and celebrates the joy that she brought them. They find comfort that their "Turbo Tapper" will be forever in their hearts.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Union Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Marty Cash-Burless officiating. Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Friday at the church. Interment will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Alison's family is requesting memorial donations be sent payable to the Greater Alliance Foundation, for the Alison Draves Performing Arts Fund, in care of 960 W. State St., Ste. 130, Alliance, Ohio 44601.
Arrangements are being handled by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave. Alliance, Ohio 44601.