Mary Frances Drake

Mother Mary Frances Drake was born April 21, 1932 to Mr. and Mrs. Auburn and Carrie Powell in Coosa County, Alabama. Mary was the second child of seven children born in this union. Mary was called to her heavenly home on May 22, 2019 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings: A.B. Powell, James Powell, Hixie Bell, Russell Powell and Homer Powell. She was also preceded in death by one grandson, Dwayne McDaniel and two great grandchildren: Deanna Drake and Cortez Drake.

Mary affectionately known as Frances, graduated from Laurel High in Alexander City, Alabama. During this time, she was very active in sports. Frances loved to play basketball. She was also a cheerleader and majorette. Frances met and married Louis D. Drake, Sr. In that union, nine children were born.

Frances moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1965 where she obtained a degree in Nursing from Wayne State. Upon her career change, she worked numerous jobs and retired from Crown Group as an Automotive Inspector. Mary Frances was a true fighter in more ways than one. She defied the Doctors for years. At St. Mary’s, she was known as the “Comeback Girl”.

Living in Detroit she became a faithful and active member of Lighthouse Cathedral for over 30 years. She served on the usher board, sang in the Streams of Living Water Choir, and served as a Leader of the Junior Usher Board. Mary Frances moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 2013. She then became a member of St. Mary’s Grand Holy Tabernacle (Reorganized) where she continued serving on the Mother’s Board.

During her golden years, Mary enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, working on jigsaw puzzles and watching westerns on TV. But most of all, she enjoyed being around family.

Left to cherish her memories are her nine children: William N. Drake (Mary H.), Louis D. Drake, Jr., Brenda Drake, Johnnclyn Bushnell (Bobby), Marilyn Pointer, Sophrania Whetstone, Dorothene Randle (Calvin), Thelma Drake and Cynthia Grant; sister Ola Mae Hughes; brother Clinton Powell; 30 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; Lighthouse Cathedral and St. Mary’s Grand Holy Tabernacle Families.

Visitation will be 12PM, with services at 1PM, Saturday, June 1, at Park Lawn, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be 12PM, with services at 1PM, Saturday, June 1, at Park Lawn, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.