Josephine Drake

Josephine “Ms. Jo” Cook-Drake was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, and dear friend whose heart touched everyone she met. Born on June 5, 1937, in Waco, Texas, Ms. Jo found the Lord at a young age and carried her faith with her every step of her life’s journey.

After moving to Dallas, Texas, Ms. Jo began building the life and legacy that would shape generations to come. She was blessed with four beautiful children through her first marriage to Melvin Demus. Later in life, she married Robert Drake, and together they welcomed one son and embraced three wonderful stepchildren, making their family complete.

Ms. Jo spent many years working in healthcare, caring for senior citizens with compassion and grace. Her gentle spirit and loving nature made her a true blessing to all those in her care. Even after retiring, Ms. Jo continued to do what she did best—taking care of others. She was a devoted mother, homemaker, and caregiver whose home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

She was also known for her incredible skills in the kitchen. Whether it was a hearty meal or one of her famous baked goods, Ms. Jo cooked with love and joy, bringing family and friends together around her table.

Most of all, Ms. Jo loved the Lord. She knew the Word deeply and could quote scripture as if the Bible were open right in her hands. Her faith was her foundation, and she lived by it daily—showing kindness, strength, and grace to everyone she met.

We, her children—both by birth and by blessing—are proud to be a reflection of her love, wisdom, and faith.

She was preceded in death by: Robert Louis Drake (late husband), Sir Robert Louis Drake "Poo Poo" (son), Elizabeth Demus (daughter), Siblings Jesse James Cook, Benny Cook, Annie Mae Cook, Andrew Cook, Louise Cook, and Martha Cook, Jerrod Demus (Grandson).

She leaves to cherish her memory: Melba Davis (Charles), Mark Demus, Roderick Demus (Gladys), Grandchildren, Mark Demus Jr., Kiah Demus, Natalya Demus, Great-grandchildren, Jacarii Demus, Jackson Demus, Trenton Jones; Siblings, Curtis Cook, Lottybell Grisby, Booker T. Cook, Stepchildren, Melrick Demus (Anisha), Melita Carlton (Romel) along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Though Ms. Jo has gone home to be with the Lord, her beautiful smile, love, laughter, and legacy will live on in our hearts forever.