Betty Lou Drake's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Betty Lou Drake, age 95 of Charleston, entered her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2015 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the First Church of God located at 1225 Montgomery Drive in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, immediately following the visitation with Pastor Russell Finley officiating. The Graveside Committal Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Mound Cemetery in Charleston with Pastor Bob Janes officiating. It is requested that in lieu of flowers thoughtful donations in her honor be made to First Church of God in Carbondale, Illinois - Russell Finley, Pastor. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Betty Lou was born on January 24, 1920 in Charleston, Illinois, a daughter of the late Oscar and Fara (Endsley) Conley. She married Howard Elsie Drake on January 1, 1938 in Terre Haute, Indiana and they celebrated 41 years of marriage prior to his death on February 6, 1979. She is survived by her children, Howard L. Drake and wife Joan, Vicki B. White and husband Harry, and Jimmie D. Drake and wife Sandy, all of Charleston; 11 grandchildren, Scott (Jana) Drake, Shawna (Mike) Sweeney, Greg (Michelle) Drake, Lori (Russell) Finley, Todd (Brittany) White, Kindra White, Seth (Joanna) White, Melissa (Todd) Beavers, Belinda (Kyle) Butler, Kyle (Emily) Drake, Amanda (Sam) Simmons; 22 great-grandchildren with another on the way; a sister, Mary Bugle of Covington, Indiana and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by three brothers, Dean, Jim and Dave Conley and a daughter-in-law, Norma Jean Drake. Betty Lou was a woman of faith and was an active member of the First Church of God in Charleston where she generously gave of her time and talents. She taught Sunday School, was a teacher for the Christian School and graciously organized and cooked for many church and funeral dinners. Betty Lou shared many close friendships and was blessed with a generous heart - she was always willing to help someone who was in need. She was extremely social and enjoyed going out to eat or meeting up with family or friends to share a cup of coffee. Betty Lou's family was truly her priority and her love for them was abundant. They will always treasure the many fond and affectionate memories of special times shared.Click to view family memorial video.
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