Pamala F. Drake's Obituary
DRAKE, Pamala F., age 74, of Waynesville, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024, at her residence. She was born December 18, 1949, in South Shore, Kentucky, to parents Bill and Lola Ratliff.
Pam had a modest and sometimes challenging upbringing. Growing up in Kentucky, she formed a deep love of family, faith, and resiliency. Her mother, Lola, took the young family to church, and Pam gave her life to Jesus Christ as a young girl. She credits her faith in Christ for helping her family through some difficult years. Pam is survived by an older brother, Carl Ratliff (Bonnie Clark) of Florida, and a sister, Teresa (David) Cantrell of Kentucky. Pam was ten years old when Teresa was born and was like a second mom to her baby sister.
Pam graduated from McKell High School in 1968 and married Terry Drake in 1971. They moved to Waynesville to raise their family. She often said her greatest blessing was her family. Terry unfortunately passed away in 2003. Pam is survived by her son, Corbin; daughters, Kim (Rick) McCloud and April (Steve) Black; four grandchildren, Nathan McCloud, Andy McCloud, A.J. Black, and Luke Black. Pam especially loved the growing-up years and prided herself on being a homemaker and mother to her three children. She was active at the Waynesville Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, having a heart for children and missionary service. As her children grew, she worked outside the home at SSK Industries in Lebanon, retiring in 2010 after more than 20 years of service. Widowed at a young age, Pam later attended Far Hills Community Church and got to fulfill a lifelong dream of going on mission trips, twice to Montana, teaching children and serving Native American communities. Then came her favorite role yet, being a grandma to her four grandsons. They were her joy, and helping care for them was of utmost importance to her. She loved playing board games with Nathan, shopping at thrift stores with Andy, and playing backyard baseball games with AJ and Luke. She loved attending their activities and youth sports, and she was their biggest cheerleader in life.
Pam was a homebody but often traveled to the Smokey Mountains, calling it her “happy place.” Trips to the cabin in Tennessee (owned by her dear friend, Gina) with her family were where many happy memories were made. She loved Elvis and Dolly Parton and often found time to visit Dollywood during the trips. She also made it a tradition to eat at The Diner, and Pam always took the time to savor the mountain views from the balcony of the cabin.
There were some things Pam felt strongly about, and sending cards was one of them. A gifted and witty writer and a heart to encourage others, Pam LOVED sending cards! There is a good chance that if you are reading this, you’ve received a card from Pam at some time. She also had a habit of writing in her journal, which was therapeutic to her over the years. Especially during the later years of her life, Pam often enjoyed reading. Always interested in joyful and uplifting material, some of Pam’s favorite reading material were Amish love stories. With a strong affection for all things “thrifty”- thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets, Pam found joy in finding value in things others often overlooked. The same could also be true of the people she encountered during her life, as she had a heart for the disabled, disadvantaged, and discouraged, especially children.
Pam’s life was well-lived. Join us in celebrating her life and beautiful legacy. A visitation will be held 2 - 4 PM Monday, October 21, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 4 PM on Monday at the funeral home. A committal service and burial will be held at Noon on Tuesday in Mt. Zion Cemetery in South Shore, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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