With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Iva Nelle Drake, a beloved resident of Somerville, who transitioned from this earthly realm on July 12, 2024. A celebration of Ms. Drake’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Peck Funeral Home, situated on Highway 31 in Hartselle, Alabama. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation hour from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., preceding the Celebration of Life service. Ms. Drake will be laid to rest at Center Point Baptist Church Cemetery in Cullman, Alabama.
Iva Nelle Drake entered this world on May 13, 1942, in the Center Point Community of East Cullman County, Alabama, born to Elbert Berton Drake and Lizzie Winell (Stidham) Drake. A diligent scholar, she graduated from Fairview High School in 1960 and pursued higher education with unwavering determination. She earned an Associate Degree from Sacred Heart College, followed by a Bachelor Degree from Saint Bernard College, and culminated her academic journey with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the prestigious University of Alabama.
Ms. Drake dedicated her professional life to serving the State of Alabama, making significant contributions in the fields of Mental Health, Child Protective Services, and Adult Protective Services/Home Daycare Licensing. Her compassionate service came to a close upon her retirement from the Morgan County Department of Human Resources on March 1, 2014.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Drake was a woman of diverse interests and talents. She cherished moments spent with her beloved family and found joy in collecting recipes, tending to her flowers and garden, expressing herself through painting, and crafting poetry, several pieces of which achieved publication.
Whether in her life as student, social worker or devotee to family and her appreciated avocations, Ms. Drake coated all with a tapestry of deep faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. That faith sustained her through tragedy and triumph, and she constantly encouraged others to know its powerful comforts.
Iva Nelle Drake leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her daughters: Brigette Herndon (Todd), Benita Craig (Mark), and Shannon White. Her memory will live on through her grandchildren: Bradley Hopkins (Maggie), Tyler Herndon (Morgan Stinson), Braxton Craig, Alec Herndon (Pamela Tribble), Amber White, Caroline Craig, Elizabeth Craig, and Ella White. She also leaves behind two precious great-granddaughters, Skylar Herndon and Adley Hopkins. Ms. Drake is survived by her siblings: Betty West, Billy Drake, Fay Drake, Hazel Jones, Kim Shelton, and Michelle Radcliff. She joins in eternal rest her parents and two brothers, Shelby Gene Drake and Earney Neal Drake Sr., who preceded her in death.
The honor of serving as pallbearers at Ms. Drake’s service will be bestowed upon her grandchildren: Bradley Hopkins, Tyler Herndon, Braxton Craig, Alec Herndon, Amber White, Caroline Craig, Elizabeth Craig, and Ella White, along with Andrew Peters.
