Gaynell Drake
Nora Gaynell Jones Drake, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, February 13, 2015.
Originally from Birmingham, Gaynell moved to Chattanooga from Somerset, Ky., in 1950 with her husband, James Dillon Drake, and became a member of Hickory Valley Christian Church. She had many friends at HVCC, where she was a founding member of the Leaders Sunday School class and the 49ers.
She also worked in food service at UTC, manning the cash register in the cafeteria for over 20 years. Gaynell was a strong spirit who liked things her way, leading her husband too affectionately call her “The Boss”. She enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family and friends, who were especially fond of her cream puffs, and helping her neighbors in Woodmore Acres.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James D. Drake; parents, Flora Mae Alexander and John Earl Jones; and brother, Charles Jones.
She is survived by her daughters, Lou Ann Drake and Jenny (Ronald) Allen; grandchildren, Rebecca (Adam) Bryan and Richard (Callie Phillips) Allen; great-grandson, James Willis Bryan; sisters, Betty Jean Mounce, Somerset, KY, Edna Earl McNamer, Harriman, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank all of the caregivers who looked after her over the last several years, especially “Shirley.”
The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. at Hickory Valley Christian Church with Pastor Gary Armes officiating.
Burial and a graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Chattanooga National
Cemetery.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Valley Christian Church, 6605 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.