Janie Evelyn Long Drake

Evelyn Drake passed away peacefully on April 28, 2013 at the Piedmont Nursing Center in Thomasville, NC where she has resided for the past 12 years. The life of Evelyn Janie Long Drake began on December 22, 1923 when she was born to Nettie and Arthur M. Long of Roxboro, NC. She graduated from Roxboro High School and later attended Louisburg College. Evelyn then moved to Camp Lejeune where she was employed at the military base post office during WWII. She met and soon married her husband Evan W. Drake who was a Marine stationed there. Their lives soon took them to Washington DC where “Drake” served as a White House Guard and as a personal aide to the President of the United States. As Evan’s military career ended, Evelyn and “Drake” moved to New Jersey where they began their family. Evelyn lived for her home, her children and all of her family including her siblings from Roxboro. Evelyn and Drake were part of a great generation that included many who lived through and survived very turbulent times. They were passionate, diligent and they worked together as a young couple to create a family and a home. They believed in commitment, sacrifice, dedication and hard work. Evelyn and Drake were incredible examples of the pursuit of the American Dream. Their legacy continues through their children and grandchildren. Evelyn was widowed at a very early age in 1972 and she soon moved back to North Carolina to begin another chapter in her life. She moved to High Point and began a career with the American Cancer Society and she continued working there until her retirement in 1991. During her career, she met and touched the lives of so many in High Point. She worshipped at the Church at High Point and First Baptist Church where she was actively involved until her move to Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville, NC. After her retirement, her time was spent with her precious family, friends and her church. Evelyn will be remembered as a beautiful and gentle lady with a tender heart. She always had an easy smile and quick wit. Evelyn is survived by her two children, Gail Dokes (Bud) of Charlotte, NC and Richard Drake (Simone) of High Point, NC. She had four grandchildren Kim Davis, Rick McClain (Kelly), both of Charlotte,; Sarah Drake and Christina Drake, both of High Point and two great grandchildren. Evelyn is survived by three sisters including Shirley Williford of Roxboro NC, Marion Oakley of Raleigh NC, and Elsie Mae Hearne of Winston Salem. She was predeceased by her brothers Dolian Long of Roxboro and Curtis Long of Winston Salem and two of her sisters Christine Dark of Winnsboro and Lucille Oliver of Roxboro, NC. The family will receive friends at the home of Rick and Simone Drake at 404 Burning Tree Circle in High Point on Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. There will be a graveside service in Roxboro on Thursday May 2, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Burchwood Cemetary located at 600 Old Durham Road in Roxboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.