Eula Whitlock Drake, 93

Eula Whitlock Drake, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at Elizabeth House.

Eula was born Nov. 18, 1920 in Hendersonville to the late Gary T. and Senora Haile Whitlock. Eula was the youngest of six children. She lived her childhood on South Main Street and was a member of Hendersonville High School class of 1937, the first class of students to attend classes in the "new" building on 8th Avenue from first grade through graduation.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Russell and sisters Arlene, Ruth, Martha and Gary.

An accomplished stenographer, Miss Whitlock served as executive secretary to Karl Straus at Ecusta Paper Mill during the early war years, and then to local merchant H. Patterson where she met and married Walter Foulds Drake, the "superb clothier of Patterson's Men Shop." Together they started a family and built a little house on North Main Street. Eula continued to work outside of the home serving as secretary to attorney Bob Whitmire, architects Bill O'Cain and Bill Bracket and builder Pete Green. Later on as an antique dealer, she had a keen eye for folk art and primitives and continued collecting and selling through shops in Landrum, Horse Shoe and Hendersonville.

As a member of First Baptist Church for over 80 years, Eula served as children's activity leader, teacher and circle member. As a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader she expressed her artistic abilities and playfulness. She was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary in the '50s and '60s, a Pink Lady at Pardee Hospital, and one of the best duplicate bridge players to ever pass through the Opportunity House. She was indeed one of the first generation of super-moms.

Mrs. Drake is survived by daughter Susan Nilsson and husband Jon of Asheville; son Walter Jr. aka "Chip" of Hendersonville, his children Morelia and Sam, and grandson Jonathan all of Washington state; also son David and his companion Patricia of Lexington, his children Susan (Wes) Sellew of Charleston, and Anne (Shawn) Houston and their mother Nancy of Burlington, and grandchildren Fox, Haile and Millie Foulds. Also included as survivor and family is her life-long very best friend Ruth Hendrix of Hendersonville and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014, in the Chapel of First Baptist Church with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating.

As a memorial to Eula, please consider adopting a stray animal or making a financial contribution to your local animal rescue group.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.