Dorothy M. Williams Drake was born on May 24, 1947, to Charlie and Odessa Williams. She graduated from Marian Anderson High School in 1965, Camden NC, where she played on the basketball team and enjoyed math class. Shortly after high school graduation she moved to New York and was soon hired by New York Telephone. Around that same time, she joined Emmanuel Temple Church and remained a faithful member until 1997. She was an active member and sang in the choir, was the church secretary, and Sunday School teacher, and was a successful fundraiser by selling dinners and sponsoring bus trips to Reading and Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a day of shopping.
In 1965, Dorothy met George “Sam” Drake who would become the love of her life. George joined the Air Force and was stationed in Vietnam. When he returned from war, they were married in June 1970. From this union, they had two wonderful daughters, Andrea Nicole and Shonda Nichelle.
Not long after Dorothy’s retirement from the phone company, the Drake family relocated to North Carolina and joined Bibleway Holiness Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. She sang in the Senior Choir and was a member of the Foundation Board. Being the social butterfly she was, Dorothy decided to return to the workforce and found employment as the receptionist at the Camden County Tax Office, where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. D.”
Dorothy was a selfless, giving person who served God loved her family with all her heart, and rarely met a stranger. She enjoyed hosting her Friends and Family gatherings. Her quote is, “Get all you want, but eat all you get!” She didn’t want anyone leaving hungry.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Odessa Williams, and her siblings Bertha Drake, Jeremiah Williams, and Theresa Simmons.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband George Drake, her daughters Andrea Banks (Calvin) of Fredericksburg, VA, Shonda Perkins (Aaron) of Stafford, VA, three grandchildren Ashley Mardenborough (Terrance) of Shreveport, LA, Kyle Perkins, and Noah Perkins, one great-grandson Nazareth Mardenborough.
Also left to cherish her memory are four brothers, Charles Williams of Camden, NC, James Williams (Joan) of Chesapeake, VA, Andrew Williams (Patricia) of Eure, NC, and Cornelius Williams of Camden, NC; sisters Delores Ferebee of Chesapeake, VA, Colleen Carter (Joe) of Chesapeake, VA, Hattie Mitchell (Steve) of Elizabeth City, NC, Annie Rebecca Williams of Camden, NC and host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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Bishop Daniel Spellman says
January 2, 2025 at 8:33 pmWe are praying for you all during this challenging time.
Barbara Sykes says
January 8, 2025 at 4:12 amOur prayers and condolences in the passing of our dear cousin. Praying for the family. Love you
From: Cousin Barbara Sykes & Family
Betty Griffin says
January 3, 2025 at 4:22 pmTo the Drake & Williams family. We are praying for your peace & comfort. Just know the Lord loves you & will never forsake you.
With the love of Christ Jesus.
Houston family says
January 10, 2025 at 10:58 amMay the memories hug you tight and provide the love, peace, and comfort needed during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences are with each and every family member 🙏
Thomissa Bass says
January 20, 2025 at 5:09 pmI am so saddened to hear of Mrs. Drake’s passing. I was blessed to be the hygienist that took care of her when she had her dental appts. We always talked about our families, what fun we had coming up, and how much we loved our Lord and Savior. I always looked forward to seeing her and catching up. I will so miss her but I have faith that I will see her again. Sending prayers of comfort for Mr Drake and her sweet family.