Karen Jean (Whitesell) Drake

Karen Jean (Whitesell) Drake

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Karen Jean (Whitesell) Drake, who passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025 after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. While a difficult illness ultimately took her away, she ensured her last days, and every day before, were filled with laughter, sparkle, and unmatched creativity.

Karen was the definition of a life lived to the fullest. She was born 1955 in Marietta, GA and spent her years accumulating experiences, friendships, and, most importantly, family. To know Karen was to love her, and to love her was to be constantly entertained by her quick wit and infectious laugh. She had a comeback for everything and a smile that could light up the gloomiest room.

Her creative spirit was evident in everything she touched. She adored glitter and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing with a little—or a lot—of shimmer. Her signature color was rose gold, a perfect reflection of her personality: warm, unique, and eternally chic. Whether she was crafting a handmade gift, decorating for the holidays, or simply choosing her outfit for the day, she approached life as her canvas, painting it with bold imagination and boundless energy.

She was the cherished matriarch of our family and leaves behind a powerful legacy of love and resilience. She was a devoted mother to three daughters: Beth Harris, Michelle Held (Josh) and Nicole Drake. She took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to six grandchildren and a great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren, passing on her playful nature and artistic flair to each generation. Her greatest joy was gathering her family and hearing the echoes of their laughter, a sound that will forever define her memory.

We know that her spirit—sharp, sparkling, and utterly unforgettable—will live on every time we hear a good joke, see something beautifully crafted, or catch a glimpse of rose gold catching the light.

Karen is preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by four siblings.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in her honor.