Nellie C. Drake

Nellie was the beloved daughter of the late John Grady Mears and Adell Mae (Moss)Mears. She spent most of her life in Davie, Florida and then Royal Palm Beach, Florida, where she created a warm and loving home for her family and cherished memories.

A devoted Christian, Nellie lived her life with faith, grace, and compassion. She found strength and joy in her relationship with the Lord and shared that love with everyone around her. She wanted to be sure that everyone she knew and loved would be with her in Heaven. No one left behind!

She was preceded in death by her husband, McKinley Preston Drake and her six siblings: Luther Mears, Eva Reaves, Jimmy Mears, Edna Cannon, Edward Mears, and Johnny Mears.

Nellie is survived by her loving daughter, Natasha Holbert, and son-in-law Mark Holbert; her two cherished grandchildren, Shyanne Lauer (husband Brendon Lauer) and Preston Holbert; and her precious great-granddaughter, McKinley Kay Lauer.

Nellie will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the unwavering love she gave to her family. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in her heavenly home, reunited with those who have gone before her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

A celebration of Nellie’s life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Dorsey - E. Earl Smith Funeral Home and Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Rd, Lake Worth Beach, Florida 33461.

Viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m., the service at 2:00 p.m., and the graveside committal at 3:00 p.m., with food and refreshments to follow.