With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our mother, Margaret Drake.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Drake; her parents, W.T. (Bill) and Bessie Adcock; and her four sisters.
She is survived by children, Pamela Reynolds, Eddie Drake, Judy Tucker (Brooks), and Sherry Rehfeld (Ross).
Her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren brought great joy (and technology) to her life. She felt so blessed to have loving and caring nephews and nieces.
As a child of the Great Depression, Margaret learned at an early age the importance of working hard, loving and caring for family, and lending a helping hand. Margaret grew up in Lincoln Mill Village, where she met the boy across the street, Floyd Drake. After graduating from Lincoln School, Margaret (the cheerleader) and Floyd (the star athlete) married in 1949. With Margaret’s passing, the book is closed on the Lincoln Class of 1949.
Floyd’s career with Genesco moved the family to Mississippi in 1960 and to Nashville in 1970. In 1975, Floyd was transferred home to Huntsville. Soon afterwards, Margaret began working for McDonald’s public relations outreach to area schools. This was an interaction she truly enjoyed. Margaret was most passionate about the history of Lincoln Mill Village. As keeper of the photos and records, she led the way in organizing the annual “Lincoln Reunion” for many years. Upon passing the torch several years ago, Margaret and Floyd were honored for all their hard work over the years.
Margaret was an avid reader and loved working jigsaw puzzles, both of which she often did while watching her Atlanta Braves. All her adventures were not limited to those imagined in books. Ever active, Margaret played softball, bowled, and water skied (though she could not swim). In recent years, she was fearless: holding a gator, chatting with a dolphin, touching a stingray, riding on a paddle-board, and flying in a helicopter. Topping these adventures off, Margaret celebrated her 90th birthday with skydiving. Soft landing and all smiles. Spunky!
Visitation will be on Sunday, August 20, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Berryhill Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery beginning at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Shriners Hospital will be appreciated.
Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.
