Pastor Betty M. Drake

Pastor Betty M. Drake went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.

She was born in the autumn season of Oct. 16, 1935, in Buncombe County where she had resided all of her life and was preceded in death by her parents, Kirkwood and Helen Drake; sister, Peggy Craig; brother-in-law, Tommy Craig; and niece, Christy Craig.

She is survived by four nephews, Gary Craig (Linda), David Craig (Charlotte), Wayne Craig (Michelle), and Gregory Craig; one niece, LeAnne Meadows (Steve); and several great and great-great nephews and nieces, and many cousins.

Betty was the pastor and a member of Luther Pentecostal Holiness Church in Candler. She faithfully served the Lord for more than 60 years. During this time, she pastored two different Churches in Cherokee, North Carolina for almost 30 years. For her dedicated service to the Cherokee community, she was made an honorary member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

She also operated the Sheep Shed Ministry which helped families in need with both food and finances. Most importantly, Betty was a true Prayer Warrior. Her ministry was a foundational pillar to the community, and her Christian legacy will live on in all of us forever.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at Luther Pentecostal Holiness Church in Candler, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Terry Green will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Candler.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for Pastor Drake and the Craig family and words of comfort may be shared at www.CrawfordRay.com.