The first Black woman elected to the West Virginia state legislature, Drewry was a strong advocate for racial equality, women's rights, and labor reform. Born in Virginia and raised in McDowell County, she attended Bluefield Colored Institute (now Bluefield State University), Wilberforce University, and the University of Cincinnati. Elected in 1950, she exposed corruption in the coal industry, pushed for health care and education reform, and introduced a 1956 amendment allowing women on juries. After a stroke, she stepped down but remained active in her church and community.