Helen Douglas Drake

Helen Douglas Carrowon Drake was born on June 28, 1937, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, and passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was the beloved only child of Helen Evans Douglas and Charles Marklin Carrowon. Mrs. Drake graduated from Bennettsville High School and went on to attend Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina. She later earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating cum laude from Pembroke State University. She dedicated sixteen years to teaching in the Marlboro County School System, where she touched the lives of countless children. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Bennettsville, Mrs. Drake was part of the Pledger Hodges Sunday School Class and served on the church’s Administrative Council. Her civic and cultural contributions extended beyond the church—she was an active member of the Marlboro Historical Society, the Marlboro Area Arts Council, Friends of the Civic Center, and the Garden Gate Garden Club. She also served as President of the Bennettsville Council of Garden Clubs. Mrs. Drake was passionate about the revitalization and historic preservation of downtown Bennettsville. Through her involvement with the Bennettsville Downtown Development Association, she played a key role in beautifying the area, including decorating vacant storefront windows to uplift the community. She is survived by her son, Thomas Charles Shaw of Greensboro, NC; his daughters Savannah Shaw and spouse, Gino Hernandez of Burlington, NC, and Caroline Shaw of Raleigh, NC; as

well as her daughter, Christine Douglas Wilkinson and her husband Sinclair Wilkinson of Bandon, Oregon and their two sons, Chance and Wilder Wilkinson. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of Heartland Living and Rehabilitation Center and the care team at AuthoraCare Collective. Arrangements are being handled by Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home. A private gathering for immediate family will be held at a later date to celebrate Mrs. Drake’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 311 E. Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512.