Arlene Drake

Arlene Drake was born in Ahoskie, NC on December 15, 1925, to the late Addie Beverly Peele and John Edward Peele. God welcomed Arlene into His kingdom on August 15, 2016.She attended school in Hertford County, NC. She was united in holy matrimony to Horace Lee Drake who passed in 2000. After relocating to Virginia Beach, much of her occupational time was spent doing domestic work including many years with the Fine family. She was a devoted member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Virginia Beach where she served faithfully as President of the Senior Usher Board for several years. In October 2011, the Seatack Community Civic League celebrated its 200^th year and recognized her with an honorable mention as one of Seatack’s tenured residents.
Arlene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She adored her neighbors who became an extension of her family. She never met a stranger with whom she wouldn’t have a conversation. She and her husband were also known for opening their home to family for extended periods of time over the years. Infamous for her culinary skills, she would always prepare large southern meals to feed any visitors who stopped by and she never complained. Her interests included gardening, reading the newspaper and watching soap operas.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda Drake, son Rev. Wallace J. Drake and siblings Asidene P. McHerrin, Amelicia P. Branch, John David Peele, Walter Peele, George Henry Peele, Horace Peele, and Jimmie Peele. Those remaining to cherish her memory include her daughters Kathy Jarvis (Cliff) of Chesapeake, Linda Drake of Virginia Beach, and Wendy George (Benjamin) of Virginia Beach; sisters Ivory P. Vaughn of Ahoskie, NC, and Lorraine Maull of Chesapeake; grandchildren Wallace Drake, Troy Drake, Tonya Edmonds (Reginald), Keyon George (Nisa), Shani George-Rojo (Willian), and Tiffany George; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two sisters-in-law Clara Drake and Earlene Wynn; honorary children Lorraine Grimstead, Brenda Galloway and Larry Bly; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.