Violet Ezell Drake

News Death Notice

DRAKE, Violet Ezell Violet Drake (Simpson) passed away October 17th, 2009, at the Atrium in Middletown. She was born Violet Ezell Simpson in Jackson County, Kentucky on August 25th, 1927, the daughter of Herman and Eunice Simpson. Violet married her beloved husband, John Hodges Drake VI, on March 28th, 1949. Violet and John were married for 58 years. Her husband preceded her in death on October 4th, 2007 but they remained bound by love and are again together side by side in the presence of their Lord and Savior. Mrs. Drake was an accomplished musician and she chose to use her talents to serve others through her Christian ministry. She served at various times throughout her life as organist or pianist for the families of St. Clair Avenue Baptist, Immanuel Baptist and Faith United Church of Christ. Even after she retired, she continued to play for services at the Fairfield Pavillion provided by the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene. She touched countless lives with her music playing for services and weddings throughout the community. Mrs. Drake also served the community by working as the assistant administrator of the Butler County Care Facility from 1972 until her retirement in 1997. In 1997, Mrs. Drake was honored for her life time of service to the residents of Butler County. Mrs. Drake is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Karen L. (John) Pond of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Tim) Peters of Hamilton; three sons, John "Hodge" (Diane) Drake of Clarksville, David W. (Lanita) Drake of Fairfield, and Stephen Drake of Fairfield. Mrs. Drake was blessed to have 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Drake had two sisters, June Winkler and Vernell Baecker; and three brothers, Harold Simpson, Vernon Simpson and Wayne Simpson, all of Hamilton. Mrs. Drake was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Ward; and a daughter, Susan Lynn Drake. Upon her retirement in 1997 from the Butler County Care Facility, Mrs. Drake was quoted as saying, "It is, after all, what we give of ourselves that gives people who are lonely and hurting the security and compassion they need... and we will all need one day." It is with these words in mind that the children of Mrs. Drake would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the employees of Avalon at the Atrium, Davita Dialysis, and the Fairfield Pavillion for the same compassion and security offered to our mother. The family suggests memorial contributions to Butler County Care Facility Residents Activities, 1800 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Funeral services will be held at Webb Noonan Funeral Home, Ross Avenue at South "D" Street, Hamilton, at 2pm on Thursday, October 22, 2009, with Pastor Dan McDowell officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Family and friends will be received prior to the service from 12-2pm at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be given at www.webb-noonan.com