Rose Evelyn Drake

Reflections

“The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.”
- Genesis 31:49

Rose Evelyn Coleman Drake was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 3, 1924, the seventh child of the late Clifford A. and Louella Lee Coleman. She received her primary and secondary education in the public schools of Nashville and was graduated from Pearl High School. She was united in holy matrimony to Eugene Drake on July 11, 1947. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, Rosie nurtured and loved her family unconditionally.

At an early age, she professed faith in Christ and joined Spruce Street Baptist Church. Later, she united with Cowan Street Baptist Church where she served in numerous capacities including the Senior Choir. Rose Evelyn remained a faithful member of Cowan Street until illness caused her to curtail her activity and attendance.

Affectionately called by numerous family monikers including “Rosie” “Evelyn,” or “Rose Evelyn”, she always aided her family. Although Rosie did not have any children of her own, she was actively involved in the lives of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Always willing to lend a hand her family will always remember her as being concerned, dependable, generous, helpful, loving, and always giving an uplifting and inspiring word. Whether it was babysitting, cooking and cleaning for festive occasions, running errands, or transporting family members to work, or taking nieces and nephews on downtown excursions, Rosie was always there to lend that helping hand. Rosie loved to sing and play gospel songs, and often could be heard singing while at work or serenading those left in her care. A person of dignity, she bore her aliments courageously, and by doing so, she encouraged others. On the afternoon of November 25, 2018, surrounded by her loving and supportive sister, Lois, devoted nephew and nieces, Dale, Linda, and Marian (aka Susie), Rosie joined those who had gone before, like them, she left us memories that we all will cherish.

Eugene Drake, her husband of thirty years; mother and father, Clifford A. and Louella Lee Coleman; and five brothers and two sisters (Clifford, Jr., Leon, Lawrence, Lorenzo, Leonard Coleman, and Dorothy Coleman Bridges and Ruth Coleman Turner), preceded Rose Evelyn in death. Ever watchful of her immediate and extended family households throughout her 94 years, she was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Rose Evelyn Coleman Drake leaves to celebrate her life and treasure her memory, her beloved sister, Frances C. Thompson; Caring and devoted nephews, Dale and Darrell Thompson; dedicated nieces, Arminta T. Chambers, Linda T. Wynn, and Theresa F. Thompson; other nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.