Linda Kathleen Allen Drake, 87, known as Polly by her family, was a loving wife and mother who went home to her Lord on January 8, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Kathleen was born on May 28, 1932 in Belmont, Mississippi, to Burgess and Myrtie Allen. At age 13 the family moved to Collinsville, Alabama, where she met her future husband William (Bill) Drake, whom she married on October 21, 1950.
Kathleen enjoyed gardening, crafting, painting and socializing with her many friends from her church and around the country. She also looked forward to beach trips several times a year. Every Wednesday night for 15 years she planned and cooked supper for her congregation. She donated years of countless time and energy in support of the Emmaus Walk Ministry. Kathleen started the Kairos Outside Prison Ministry in Alabama and directed a ministry that mailed Bibles to prisoners in many states. She loved welcoming friends into her home, often to play dominoes and enjoy a home cooked meal.
Kathleen is survived by her husband of 69 years, Bill Drake, daughters: Lawanna Hand (Doug), Gwendolyn Sanders (Don); Sons: Brad Drake (Linda), Kealon Drake (Laura Leigh), grandchildren: Adam Drake, Matt Drake, Joshua Sanders (Mary Margaret), Stephen Sanders (Kelly), Eric Hand (Kathleen), Travis Hand, Julie Ann Hand, Elizabeth Anne Hines (Jared), Kealon Drake, Jr, Dalton Drake; great grandchildren: Kayden Sanders and Hallie Sanders.
The family expresses gratitude to Michelle, her Hope Hospice nurse.
Service will be held on Sunday, January 12 , at Gracepoint Church on Mt. Olive Road with visitation from 12:30-2:30 pm and funeral service at 2:30. Burial at Oakwood Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Kairos Prison Ministry International.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the DRAKE family.
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