Bettye Thacker Drake

Bettye Thacker Drake, age 94, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, December 14, 2024. She was born on September 25, 1930, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Drake, and daughters, Cheryl E. Drake, Donna J. Tidwell, and Betty D. Perk.

Bettye achieved an MSN, BSN, RN, and a CNS. She was the international Who’s Who in Medicine in 1987 and the Who’s Who of American Woman of 1983 to 1984. She was also the VA Medical Center Scholar in Hampton, Virginia.

During her nursing career, she was a supervisor for Williamsburg Community Hospital and supervisor and nursing instructor for Eastern State Hospital.

Bettye was an active member of the Walnut Hills Baptist Church, where she played piano and organ. She also sang in the choir and taught Bible Studies. She loved her church, and her Lord and Savior.

She loved to take care of her patients and family. Her home was always open to anyone anytime, her family used to call it “the halfway house.” Her favorite place was the beach, especially the Outer banks. She was a quilter and made her family members all quilts and treasured stockings. She enjoyed water aerobics and playing solitaire on her computer.

Bettye is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Drake Curtis (Clayton Diggs); son, Thomas E. Drake Jr.; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A service for Bettye will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. A burial will follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia.