Marissa D. Draper

Marissa Dion Draper
August 3, 1991 – June 24, 2025

With deep sorrow and abiding love, we announce the passing of Marissa Dion Draper, age 33, of Joliet, Illinois, who departed this life on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Marissa was a radiant light—a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, fiancée, and friend—whose life was marked by perseverance, strength, and service. Born on August 3, 1991, she was raised in Joliet and educated in the Troy School District before attending Joliet West High School, graduating with the Class of 2009. From an early age, Marissa was known for her determination and drive, both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Growing up as a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Marissa participated in Children’s Church, Bible class, and served joyfully on both the praise dance team and the youth choir until she went away to college. These early experiences laid the foundation for her unwavering faith in Christ, which continued to guide her throughout her life.

At Joliet West, Marissa ran Track and Field her freshman year and played all four years on the Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team, where she made a lasting impression. She embraced mentorship both on and off the court, emphasizing academics and athletics as much as character. Marissa’s commitment paid off: she earned a full-ride athletic scholarship to the University of St. Francis, where she was honored as Freshman of the Year, received the Franciscan Fellows Scholarship, and made the Dean’s List while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Marissa carried her quiet strength, discipline, and deep compassion into every chapter of her life. Since June 2019, she served as a dedicated employee of the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Joliet Treatment Center, where she offered her heart and expertise to support rehabilitation and reentry efforts.

She also held the role of Executive Director of Prisoner Release Ministry, Inc., where she helped formerly incarcerated individuals secure employment and reenter society with dignity and hope. Her leadership was recognized with a plaque from the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center for helping all the women residents gain employment.

“Being a student-athlete was the best thing I could have done... Find something that you love and stick with it—it could be the one thing that changes your life for the better.”

In every season of her life—through school, sports, faith, friendship, and work—Marissa lit the room, brightened others’ day, and was known for her warm heart and beautiful signature dimples.

She is lovingly remembered by her fiancée, Edwina Ward; her beloved bonus son, Ontario Caples, Jr.; her parents, Ronald and Denita Draper; her sister, Mercedes Draper; her brother, Derrell Draper; and her grandmother, Addie “Tockie” Draper. Marissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Johnnie B. Smith, and James Draper. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by her love and legacy.

Marissa’s legacy of faith, resilience, and transformative leadership will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her....especially her dimples!

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