Deborah Annice Drake, 71, of Paragould, Arkansas passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024 in her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 14, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri to Carlos Burton and Mary Magdalene (Leach) Mabrey. She graduated as a valedictorian from Clearwater High School, received her teaching degree from the School of the Ozarks and her master’s degree in education from Arkansas State University. She was an elementary school teacher and librarian. She met and married William Alan Drake in 1976. She was an active member in her church and lived by her faith in God. She raised her children to believe in and to follow Christ. She loved spending time with and reading to her children and grandchildren. She loved attending the annual family reunions and get togethers. She was a dedicated Christian, wife, mother, nana, sister, and educator. She was a light in this dark world and she will be truly missed.
Survivors include; husband: William “Bill” Alan Drake of the home; two children: Benjamin Drake of Paragould, Arkansas and Matthew Drake (Amanda) of Dexter, Missouri; three grandchildren: Gavin, Liam, Lakelyn all of Dexter, Missouri; two sisters: Deloris Gentry (Jerry) of Rockford, Illinois and Doris Jane Smither (Donnie) of Ozark, Missouri; two brothers: Terry Mabrey (Liz) of Pueblo West, Colorado and Tim Mabrey (Teresa) of Troy, Illinois; and a host of other family and friends. She is preceded in death by; her parents: Carlos Burton and Mary Magdalene (Leach) Mabrey; and one brother: William Eugene Mabrey. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Knot Church of Christ in Paragould, Arkansas with Minister Art Smith officiating.
The family will receive visitors from 12:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at a later date at Pine Knot Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to Crowley’s Ridge Academy or the American Cancer Society.