Johnell Drake

Death is a part of life as it is the end of a chapter, but not the book. Johnell is no longer in any pain nor strife. Her absence leaves a story that will never be forgotten. Her presence was one that shaped our lives. We were born to die with no reason to answer. We're left behind to say goodbye, but Johnell is off to a place beyond the sky.

Johnell Long Drake was born into a large, loving, and close-knit family on June 25, 1941, to the parentage of the late John William Long and Minnie Ruth Scott Long. She was the fifth child born to this union: Mary Nell Long Moore, Larry Lanorris Long, Artis Roy Long, Mattie Ruth Long Sims, Priscilla Long Floyd, George Curtis Long, and Charles Edward Long preceded her in death.

Johnell was reared and received her formative education in Walton County. She joined the family church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, at an early age. Johnell relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and became a lifelong resident of the capital city. She would be known for her quick wit, her quiet spirit, and her amazing skills in the kitchen. Her family would be blessed with her delicious dishes, most famously her chitterlings, banana pudding, and Oreo cheesecake that she would bring home every Christmas. Johnell was also an avid Falcons fan. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Johnell was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Drake; son, Derry Drake, Sr.; and grandson, Carlos Long.

Johnell slipped away on Sunday, October 8, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Tichina Drake; beloved sons, Mitchell Long (Tuwanna) and Cepeda Drake; loving grandchildren, Derry Drake Jr. (Valerie), Avery Drake (Andria), Jada Reid (Kimani), Jeremy Drake (Katie), Christopher Campbell, Elijah Drake, Malaysia Long; great-grandchildren, Khloe Drake, Avery Drake Jr., Oakley Drake, Olivia Reid, Carli Long, Calvin Long, Deion Drake, Derry Drake, III, Darrian Drake, Makailah Drake, Chase Reeves, and Ma'Lanei Campbell; sisters, Ruby Nell Morrow, Annie Doris Long Griggs, Sandra Long Hodo (Herman), and Vanessa Delores Long; brothers, Robert W. Long and Kenneth Long (Elizabeth); in-laws, Mary Ann Mapp Long and LaMar Sims; special cousins, Chester Scott and W. Peggy Patterson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

We loved Johnell, but God loved her best.

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