Newsoms - Mary Elizabeth Burgess Drake, 89, passed away February 18, 2018 in Franklin, VA surrounded by her family after a short period of illness. She was born January 28, 1929 in Murfreesboro, NC to the late Herbert and Gladys Burgess of Murfreesboro, NC. Mrs. Drake was a devoted member of Barnes United Methodist Church where she faithfully attended and sang in the choir for many decades. She also served as a church superintendent and Sunday School class teacher. She was employed with Jones Hayes in Franklin, VA in her early working career and became a valued and trusted employee for Emerson Jones. She was later employed with Sears as well as Browne Dentistry in Boykins, VA and Dr. Harvey Thompson. She also operated a cleaning service until she retired to enjoy her cooking and meticulously cleaned home. She will be remembered as a true Christian, a loving mother and a world class cook who has passed down many recipes for chicken salad, collards, and crowder peas. She thoroughly enjoyed fishing, yard work and cheering on Jeff Gordon every Sunday.

Mrs. Drake was predeceased by her husband of 66 years Roy E. Drake as well as one sister Ramona Lewter and a brother James H. Burgess as well as her beloved companion dog J.R. Left to cherish her memory are her three children Connie Corbitt (Charlie) of Franklin, VA; Edward S. Drake (Grace Lynn) and Ann Burgess (Joe) of Franklin, VA. Mrs. Drake is also survived by her five grandsons Brad Corbitt (Wendy), Chris Drake, Michael Burgess, Stephen Drake and Matthew Burgess (Laura). She also had two great grandsons Addison Corbitt and Bayer Burgess and one great granddaughter Clara Burgess and nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be conducted at 10 AM Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, VA with the Rev. James H. Hyatt, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery, Newsoms, VA. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-7:30 PM at the funeral home and other times at the home of Connie and Ann at 71 Crescent Drive, Franklin, VA and Stewart at 30159 Statesville Rd., Newsoms, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Barnes United Methodist Church General Fund, c/o Cheryl Turner, Church Treasurer, 33080 Cypress Swamp Rd. Newsoms, VA 23874 or Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851. The family would also like to offer a special thanks to the staff at East Pavilion as well a special thanks to Kim and Renee and hospice care.