She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dewey T. Rakes, Jr. Mrs. Rakes leaves behind a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved. Her family includes sons, David Rakes and his late wife Sharon, Gary Rakes and his wife Lisa; her daughter, Lisa Bryant and her husband E.J; eight grandchildren: Emily Woody, Alison Hostetler, Amanda Smith, Kayla Rakes, Garret Rakes, Jessie Bryant, Zac Bryant, and Leah Rakes; nine great grandchildren and many other dear family and friends. She is survived by two brothers; Ed and Raymond Turner and preceded in death by two other brothers Randolph and Jack Turner.
Born in Henry County, Virginia on July 20, 1933, she’s the daughter of the late Mallie Simmons Turner and Susan Elizabeth Waggoner, she was a long-term resident of Rustburg, Virginia, having moved there in 1957.
In her early years, as the only daughter, she looked after her four brothers. She always made sure they were taken care of, demonstrating the nurturing and loving qualities that were present throughout her entire life. She graduated from Fieldale High School where she played guard for the women’s basketball team. After high school, she worked at Dupont and later married the love of her life, Dewey, while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. They were married on August 21, 1952 at her home in Collinsville, Virginia. Later in life while raising her three children, she began working at Yellow Branch Elementary School as a substitute teacher and then a teacher’s aide. Working with children brought her joy and allowed her to make a positive impact on the lives of many students.
Mrs. Rakes was everyone’s best friend and would start up conversations with anyone she met as if they were a longtime friend. She always had a kind word to say and treated everyone with deep love, genuine respect and sincere gentleness. She had a passion for camping whether it was in the Blue Ridge Mountains or in Myrtle Beach. She had a true love for the beauty of the South Carolina beaches and for years, she along with her husband and children, would camp on the beaches of Myrtle Beach, specifically at Pirateland Campground. Her great love of camping and the beach was a tradition that was passed down to her children and grandchildren.
She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Her house was open to everyone and was usually the place where everyone gathered. She was always able to fix a huge meal for everyone in no time. No one was ever hungry when they were at her house. Mrs. Rakes also loved crafts of any kind. She painted ceramic and porcelain figurines, made the latest crafts for every season, and loved crocheting necklaces with the Share and Care ladies at church. Her necklaces were very famous anywhere she went and she would give them away freely to make someone’s day. Her smile and personality made everyone fall in love with her.
An avid supporter of the community in which she lived, Mrs. Rakes, was a longtime member of the Lyn-Dan Heights Rurilaces Club, serving in many leadership positions and was a charter member of Mead Memorial United Methodist Church of Lynchburg, Virginia where she was a dedicated member for approximately 60 years. She was always at church to help out and do whatever needed to be done. All of the children that came to Mead Memorial knew her affectionately as Granny Rakes.
An open time to pay respects will be held on Monday from 9am to 5pm at Whitten Timberlake Chapel following COVID-19 protocols for all those who wish to show last respects. A private funeral service for the family will be held at the Whitten Funeral Home with The Rev. Jack (Steve) Turner officiating followed by the Interment at Cumbie Memorial Cemetery in Rustburg, Virginia. The funeral services will be streamed lived at 2pm, Tuesday February the 16th for those wishing to view the services.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Mead Memorial United Methodist Church, 13317 Wards Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.
