Ann Drake

Betty Ann Drake, 79, died Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Parkridge Medical Center, Chattanooga, after a brief illness. She was born June 6, 1935 at her home in Plantersville, Miss., to the late William and Louella Ellis. She married the love of her life at the age of fifteen, James Drake on April 2, 1950. They spent nearly sixty-five years together. For 29 years, she taught at Verona Elementary School. Ann was a devoted member of Verona United Methodist Church. She moved to Signal Mountain, to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She then began attending Signal Mountain United Methodist Church. Her relationships with her family members were the most important thing to her. She enjoyed participating in church and spending time with her family. Ann's sense of humor and wittiness will surely be missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband, James A. Drake; one daughter, Beth Drake Harris (Dave) of Signal Mountain, TN; three sisters, Billie M. Stanley of Plantersville; Martha Blythe (Ray) of Verona; her twin sister, Sue Thompson (Joe) of Plantersville; one brother, John W. Ellis of Tupelo and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jean Helms; and one brother, Jimmy Ellis. Services will be 1 p.m. today, March 4, 2015 at Jefferson Street Chapel with Rev. Buddy Smith officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Barry Bratton, Steve Crutcher, Mike Ellis, Todd Ellis, Moses Ruff and Doug Stanley. Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. today, March 4, 2015, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Verona United Methodist Church, 212 East Main Street, Verona, MS 38879, or Signal Mountain United Methodist Church, 3419 Taft Highway, Signal Mountain, TN 37377. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.