Vivian Drake

Vivian Lou N. Drake, 92, of Venice, Florida, and Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 29, 2015, at Pinebrook Care Center, Venice, Florida. She was born the third daughter to Mary (Stephens) and Porter E. Nichols on July 28, 1923. After completing school in Aledo, Illinois, Vivian attended Illinois State Teachers College in Normal, Illinois. She taught school near her home before leaving for Decatur to work in a war plant.While in Decatur, she connected with a former Aledo resident, Donald Drake. They married in 1945 and lived in Owosso, Michigan, for 17 years before returning to Decatur. They celebrated their life together by traveling, collecting, and enjoying winters in Venice. Don passed away in 1998.Survivors include two children: Priscilla Snyder (Russell) of Urbana, IL, and Stanton Drake (Karran) of Carbondale, IL. Vivian had one grandchild: Evan Snyder (Kimberly) and two great grand-daughters: Lilliana and Sabrina, all of Hawaii. She also leaves behind two nieces and a nephew. Her sisters preceded her in death.The First United Methodist Church of Decatur has held her membership for over 50 years. A memorial may be made in her name to a charity of your choice or to the American Cancer society. Vivian was a 32- year breast cancer survivor.Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, will be handling the arrangements. "
}