Frankie Reba Drake Jennings was called home to God surrounded by her loving family September 11, 2023. She was born December 19, 1931, in Oklahoma to William Henry “Tant” Drake and Bessie Sisco Drake. Frankie was the youngest of her family.
She was predeceased by siblings: Geneva Sherwood Drake, Savannah Dorothy Grey, Essie Aldridge, Mary Elizabeth Ward, Clarence Henry Drake and her sons : Lawrence Henry DeWald and Jack James DeWald Jr. (Johnny).
She’s is survived by her brother, Victor L Drake, and children: Deborah DeWald Bridge, Ginger DeWald Stephens, Mary DeWald Dorsey, Erwin Albert DeWald, (Cathy), Susan DeWald Allen (Craig), Savannah Sherwood Jennings Mote (Eddie), and grandchildren: Dr. Tiffany Longoria, Froebel Lee Bridge, Heidi DeWald, John Patrick DeWald (Stephanie), Eddie DeWald, Gary DeWald (deceased), Victor DeWald (Crystal), Larry Stephens (Amanda), Victoria Bambi Moore (Wes), Sarah Bebee (Ryan), Michelle Snyder (Dr Bill), Dr Phillip Dorsey Jr. (Alison), John Michael Dorsey (Diego), Terry DeWald, David DeWald, William DeWald, Thomas DeWald (Nia), Jack James DeWald III (Daffney), Nichole Elizabeth Johnson (Dr. Tyler). “Meme” as her grandchildren call her, has over 39 great- grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Mother was a beautiful person – inside and out. My favorite attribute of hers, was her ability to listen. She listened with her whole being. She responded with the most amazing questions. I often wondered if she spent a lot of time coming up with these questions. They were so wise and well thought out. Mother made us all feel unique, loved and valued. When in school in Lake Charles, she would come get us out of school and take us to lunch Individually. I have never met anyone who spent time with her that didn’t admire and value her friendship. When we were gathered together, I would tell her, “Look what you started.”
Mother loved her bridge friends and enjoyed the game. She has four daughters who play and her granddaughter, Victoria Bambi Moore, is learning to play, her grandson, Larry Stephens, also plays when he has the time. Mother won many awards for her floral arrangements and her home holiday decorations. We even had a full-size Valentine tree. She always had music playing. Mother taught us how to have fun doing just about everything and how important it is to look for and appreciate the bright side of life and people. She loved and appreciated our friends. Mother loved learning. She kept informed of the local, national and international affairs. She was a proud American patriot.
Written by: Deborah DeWald Bridge
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday September 22, 2023, at Trinity Fellowship Church, 503 E. Willow Creek Drive, Amarillo, Texas. Please have all floral deliveries taken directly to Trinity Fellowship Church Friday morning.
A great lady who is now one of God’s angels. I love you Frankie.
Frankie was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was so classy she looked as good in jeans and T-shirt and no make up as she did all dressed up. When she visited with someone she made you feel like you were the only person and most important person in the room. She always made us feel welcome to her home and so many things were discussed at her kitchen table-problems solved, tears shed and celebrations Frankie was always so attentive and wise. She was the true Matriarch of our extended family and in some way or other she helped each one of us be a better person today. She was loved so much and will be deeply missed by MANY people.