America "Merkie" Drake

America "Merkie" Drake Battle Creek America "Merkie" Drake, 81 of Battle Creek went to be with her Lord on Sunday August 9, 2009, surrounded by her loving family at The Oaks at Northpointe Woods. She was born on September 6, 1927 in Sky, KY to Eugene and Rena Smith. Merkie married Perry Drake on December 29, 1948 in Battle Creek. She was employed by the Kellogg Company for 28 years, retiring in 1976. Merkie is survived by her husband, Perry; daughters, Omega S. (Jack) Harrison, of Owosso, MI, Nancy A. (John) Hueckel, of Battle Creek, MI, Fay (Jim) Cummings, of Climax, MI, and Phyllis R. (Chuck) Johnson, of Kokomo, IN; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ervine Smith, of Georgia, and Wilgous Smith, of Battle Creek; sisters, Judy Bowen, of Mississippi, Maggie Beckwith, of Tennessee, and Mae Fields, of Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings. Merkie was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Battle Creek and had attended the Sparta Nazarene Church in Sparta, TN. She enjoyed gardening, singing, listening to southern gospel music, embroidering, collecting frogs, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Merkie's memory was better than her children's. She would always pickup a dropped coin saying it was "found money". Her favorite color of red was evident by the many red blouses she owned. Merkie had a great sense of humor that all her family and friends can attest to. Family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday August 12, 2009 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor James Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Sparta Nazarene Church.