District Missionary Emerita Rosie Mae (Drake) Bard

Mother Rosie Mae Drake Bard, 98, of Greenville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at 12:05 a.m. Thursday March 17, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky. 

A native of Christian County, Kentucky, she was born to the late Otho Drake and Mary Cary Drake on October 1, 1925. 

She was saved, sanctified, baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost in the Church of God in Christ.  She was an active member of Powerhouse Church of God In Christ in Greenville until her health began to fail, where she served faithfully as Church Mother under the leadership of her son Pastor Kelly Bard.  She had served as a District Missionary and District Evangelist for Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, and as an Assistant to the former State Supervisor of Women Mother Jean Wright for Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop A.T. Moore.  She was appointed District Missionary Emerita on October 6, 2006.  She served as a Church Mother, Sunshine Band President, Prayer and Bible Band President, and Trustee Board Member at Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Greenville under the leadership of Elder John Kersey and Bishop David A. Reed Jr.  She was a prolific fundraiser for Seventh Street Church of God in Christ in Owensboro under the the leadership of Elder Prince W. Woolfolk, served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross as a walking collector, walking the local neighborhoods in Greenville collecting donations, and was founder of Greater Love Mission gathering place in Greenville.  She loved sewing, quilting, cooking, baking her cakes, gardening, and playing the guitar, and was affectionately called Aunt Mae by many of her nieces and nephews.  

Most of all she loved her children and grandchildren (many of whom she raised), and all of whom will miss her dearly.

In addition to her parents, she also was preceded in death by her husband, the late Elder John West Bard, who died in 1989 and whom she was married to for 44 years; one son , John Alexander Bard; one daughter, Gloria Brewer; and five brothers, Leo Drake, Howard Drake, Jack Drake, June Drake, and Charlie Drake. 

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memories five sons, Elder Charles Bard of Greenville, Minister Donald Bard of Central City, Kentucky, Elder Cecil (Monessa) Bard of Henderson, Kentucky, Elder Kelly (Sandra) Bard of Henderson, and Nevin Bard of Greenville; three daughters Erma Bard of Cadiz, Kentucky, Oneta Bard (who was her caregiver) of Greenville, and Beverly Bard of Bowling Green, Kentucky; one sister Louella Drake of Crofton, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is also survived by one daughter-in-law Sally Bard of Greenville; one special niece Deborah Drake of Beaver Dam, Kentucky.

Her life will be celebrated (Privately for Family Only) at 2:00 p.m. Saturday March 23, 2024 at Elliott-Bowles Mortuary. 

The Elder Cecil Bard (her son) will officiate. 

Burial will be in West End Cemetery in Greenville. 

Visitation and wake services will be (Open For The Public) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday March 22, 2024 at Elliott-Bowles Mortuary. 

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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