Lorraine Crowell Drake

Lorraine Crowell Drake, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, at the age of 95. Born on April 8, 1930, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Lorraine was the cherished daughter of the late Fannie Byrd Blackburn Crowell and Rupert Johnson Crowell.

Lorraine graduated as valedictorian from Sand Hill High School in Buncombe County in 1948. It was there she met the love of her life, William Jackson "Jack" Drake. They were married in 1948 and shared an extraordinary journey together for 77 wonderful years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership, marked by their shared adventures and the family they nurtured.

Throughout her life, Lorraine dedicated herself to her family with unwavering devotion. As Jack's career took them across the United States and beyond-from Raleigh and Badin, North Carolina, to Veracruz, Mexico; Port Lavaca, Texas; Alcoa, Tennessee; Newburgh, Indiana; to Rockdale, Texas-Lorraine created a warm and loving home for their four children. Her nurturing spirit and steadfast presence were the heart of the family.

Lorraine's life was enriched by her passions and interests. She was an accomplished cook, best known for feeding a family of six with one fried chicken. She loved to travel and was up for any adventure, from exploring the Spice Market in Istanbul to pretending to fish for piranha on the Amazon River.

A pillar of her community, Lorraine was an active member of the Rockdale First Presbyterian Church in Rockdale, Texas, where she served as past president of the women's circle and was a longstanding member of the choir. Her sharp sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew her. A social bridge player, she cherished the camaraderie and friendships formed around the card table. Her love for the natural world found expression in her involvement with the Rockdale Garden Club and in the annual return to the mountains of North Carolina.

Lorraine was a confidant and friend to many, always making time for her children, grandchildren, and their friends. Her genuine warmth and understanding made her a trusted advisor and cherished companion.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jack; her sister, Caroline Taylor; her children John Drake and wife Faynette, Nancy Eskew and husband Larry, Mary Drake, and Tom Drake and wife Sandra; her grandchildren Cara Drake, Matt Drake, Jason Eskew and wife Amanda, Allison Eskew, David Eskew and wife Lauren, Will Scholl, Jim Scholl, Leslie Joyes and husband Leighton, Jack Drake and wife Ashlee, Dan Drake and wife Heather, Mark Drake and wife Claire, and Victoria Williams and husband Timothy; and her great-grandchildren, Josh, Ashley, Cooper, Reese, Peyton, Dylan, Morgan, Emma, Brooks, Graham, Olivia, Alexandra, Blake, Ezra, Jubilee, Eli, Heidi, Boone, Barrett, Huck, Hannah, Carly, Lyla, and Axel. Lorraine's legacy will be cherished by many extended family members and friends.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her great-grandson, Abram Drake; and her brother-in-law, Don Taylor.

Services to honor Lorraine's remarkable life will be held at Rockdale First Presbyterian Church, Rockdale, TX on Saturday, February 21 at 1:00pm and at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC, on March 21 at 11:00am.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockdale First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1007, Rockdale, TX 76567, to ReWork Project, Attn: Allison Eskew, 1705 Poppy Seed Lane, Austin, TX 78741, or your favorite charity.