Newsoms – Hilda Brett Drake, 94, passed away May 23, 2025 in her home with her family by her side.  Born in Menola, NC, she was a daughter of the late William Clyde Brett and Dessie Rae Cowan Brett.  She was also predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Rufus Edwards "R.E." Drake, Jr.; a sister, Doris B. Sebrell; five brothers, Royal C. Brett, Mills T. Brett, William G. Brett, Edwin H. Brett, and Raymond V. Brett; son-in-law, Lewis Edmonds, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Linda J. Drake; grandson, Stephen J. Drake; and great-granddaughter, Abbigail Drake.

Hilda was a graduate of Murfreesboro High School and was a member of Barnes Methodist Church.  She served on the Women's Committee for the Virginia Farm Bureau and was President of Barnes UMW and treasurer of Barnes Methodist Church for many years.  She loved gardening and canning.

Left to cherish her memory is a daughter, Dorothy Rae Drake; sons, Rodger Ray Drake, William Edward Drake, and Joseph Hartman Drake (Linda); sister-in-law, Joyce Brett; "Granny" to five grandchildren, Gail Drake Gagner (Chris), Cheryl Drake Turner and husband Jeff Saunders, Justin Drake, Lewis Edmonds, III (Kristin), and Susie Edmonds; eight great grandchildren, Heath, Kevin and Jordan Gagner, Colby and Shelby Turner, Carson Drake, and Jackson and Andrew Edmonds.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2PM in Hollywood Cemetery with Pastor Drew Dunn officiating.  The family will receive friends at the residence and suggests that memorial donations be made to Barnes Methodist Church, c/o Paula Drake, 31147 Sands Rd., Newsoms, VA 23874.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org