I'm so sorry for your family's loss.  I remember Jean fondly, and with great affection.  I know your many memories of her will bring joy, and comfort, to all of you.  Wishing you peace and healing during this time.

Today is my grandparents' seventy-third wedding anniversary. Doc died when I was eight days old so I never got to meet him personally, but he was always there in Grandmother's eyes. He was there when I began to ride horses and proudly showed her my first blue ribbon. Grandmother's eyes cut to the side, just briefly, something that I would become accustomed to in the years to come. She told me that Doc would be proud of me. She sat me down and proceeded to tell me all about Peruna and Doc's love for SMU. Only after the stories about Doc did she tell me that she, too, was proud of me. 

When I became a member of the National Forensic League, Grandmother again said that Doc would be proud of me. She told me countless stories about Doc's various debates, although I'm still not convinced that smarting off to a football player while handing out clean laundry constitutes an actual debate. Again, only after the stories about Doc did she tell me that she was proud of me as well. 

When I was accepted as a United States Equestrian Federation High School Varsity Athlete Grandmother  again told me that Doc would have been proud of me. She let it be known that the fact that I have become an accomplished equestrienne is due to the SMU legacy created by Peruna and Doc. She told me that he would have been proud of me and that she was too.  

Last year I received my first letter from a university encouraging me to consider their programs; it was from SMU. Doc would have been proud of me; Grandmother was. 

When I took up swing dancing the stories really began to flow. Grandmother's eyes always went somewhere else as she told me to which bands she and Doc danced, described the venue, and demonstrated how Doc constantly turned his head back and forth while dancing to ensure that they didn't run into other couples. Again, Doc would have been proud of me. Grandmother was. 

I am the youngest of the grandchildren. I don't have memories of Doc holding me up to see the cuckoo clock or him making funny faces or jumping back in mock surprise as I approached. However, I was raised in a household in which the SMU fight song is considered a lullaby and with a hand-me-down teddy bear that mooed because, although Doc liked to fix things, I'm told he wasn't a stickler for details. 

As the youngest grandchild I never got to see Doc and Grandmother together as a couple. Instead, I spent the last years of Grandmother's life with her living alone. My mother has always told me that, although it can be hard, it's an honor to be part of someone's last moments, even their death. You are witness to the final sum creation of their life, to the thoughts they are having and to the decisions they are making when death is no longer a theoretical concept, but is very close and very real. Over the past year I came to appreciate just how much Grandmother had relied on Doc for his strength, for his wisdom, for his courage, for stability. Yes, her children and grandchildren supported her after Doc died, but it wasn't the same.  As the youngest grandchild  I had the honor of spending the last year of Grandmother's life with her and, although her death saddens me, I leave you with this:

I am sixteen years old and for the first time my life, my Grandmother no longer has to say, “Doc would be and I am.” For the first time in my life, they are “we” once again. This is not a tragedy. This is a reunion.  

Last night I went swing dancing. I didn't bump into Grandmother or Doc. Perhaps because they weren't there. Or maybe they were, with Grandmother twirling as she loved to do and Doc dutifully turning his head to and fro to make sure they didn't bump into anyone.  I sure hope so.

Jerry, Michelle, Adrianna.....Please accept our deepest sympathies  ---  you are in our thoughts and prayers.

My mother believed in me long before I ever did. She seemed to think I could accomplish anything. That belief gave me confidence and saw me through many rough times. Everyone should have a mom like Jean Drake! She's the greatest! I miss her so much!

My mother believed in me long before I ever believed in myself. Slowly she gave me the silly idea that I could accomplish anything I wanted, the sky is the limit,  if I would try hard enough. That idea got me through so many hard times and challenges. I lost my greatest fan when she passed away. It's too bad everyone can't have a mother like Jean Drake was to me. I miss her greatly.

Dianne Drake Boren, daughter

She was not only my Mother and my Best Friend, she was what I always wanted to be.  Maybe someday I'll make it.

Lynn Drake Nunns

I know she will be missed.  My mother, Betty Thomas, taught with her at Bradfield and always had the highest respect and love for her.  Prayers for all of you.

It was such a pleasure to know Jean.  We met her through our daughter-in-law Susan, who was Jean's granddaughter.  Jean was always warm and gracious toward us, and we enjoyed being with her on numerous occasions.  We know that her passing is a great loss to Susan, for "Mama" was very precious to her.
Rod and Lois Case, Georgetown TX

I loved seeing the photos!  I pray that the memories and your love for each other and for your Mother help to comfort you in the days to come.  Aunt Jean was a sweet, gentle, thoughtful lady and you were blessed. 

Sincerely,

I was so sorry to learn that Jean had passed away.  What a lovely, elegant lady.  She was my daughter Holly's 3rd grade teacher, and a few years later I began teaching at Bradfield and inherited her room.  Your family is in my prayers.  Fondly, Margaret Eldridge

I am so sad.  I loved Jean so much.   She was a sweet and caring friend and a wonderful teacher.  The pictures of your family are so nice.  Jean looked so pretty and she and Doc made quite a happy couple!  They are together in heaven singing Peruna!   Carol Duff

OBITUARY

Jean Gray Drake

November 14, 1919 – April 12, 2013

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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