Betty Lee (Combs) Drake

Betty Lee Combs Drake, 92, of Madisonville, passed away peacefully at 7:04 a.m. Tuesday December 3, 2024 at her home with her family by her side. 

A native of Madisonville, she was born to the late Santa Colonius Combs Sr. and Georgia Springfield Combs on November 13, 1932. 

She professed Christ and was a faithful and longtime member of Sanctuary of the Living God in Madisonville where she served as Church Leader and Bible Study Teacher. 

She worked as a surgical cleaning technician at the former Hopkins County Hospital in Madisonville and was a graduate of historic African-American Rosenwald High School in Madisonville. 

She furthered her education and obtained a Cosmetology Degree in Paducah, Kentucky. 

On May 27, 2004 she enrolled with the Adult Centers for Educational Excellence in Madisonville studying Basic Computer Applications and learning Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Internet and Email. 

On May 14, 2005 she enrolled at Madisonville Community College and Technical College Systems where she obtained her Kentucky Child Care Provider Degree. 

On October 25, 1963 she married the love of her life, Eulus Drake, and to this union two children were born.  She was devoted to him for 22 years, until his passing on November 16, 1985. 

Her hobbies included cooking, fishing, crocheting, knitting, quilting, crossword puzzles, adult coloring books, playing UNO and phase 10 card games. 

Most of all she loved spending time with her children, family and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, she also was preceded in death by five brothers, James Combs (in childhood), William "Bill" Combs, Robert Combs Sr., Santa Colonius Combs Jr., and Wilbert Combs;  and three sisters, Luna Suggs (in childhood), Bernice Combs (in childhood), and Mary Francis Combs Johnson. 

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memories, her son Fred Drake of Madisonville;  her daughter Vickie Drake of Madisonville;  and a special daughter Beth Ann Drake Scott of Mesquite, Texas;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Her life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday December 7, 2024 at Elliott-Bowles Mortuary Chapel. 

Minister Marie Washington will officiate. 

Burial will be in Westside Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. 

Her visitation and wake services will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. 

Many special thanks to Hosparus Health of Western Kentucky and Staff for providing excellent and professional care during Betty Drake's time of transitioning.

Elliott-Bowles Mortuary in Madisonville is in charge of her professional services and arrangements. 

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.elliottmortuarycares.com.

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