Minister Evelyn Olivia (Coleman) Drake

Today, with hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Minister Evelyn Olivia Coleman-Drake, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose life was a testament to faith, service, and unconditional love. On Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, Evelyn peacefully transitioned from this earthly life and was called home to rest with her Lord and Savior.

Evelyn was born on Monday, January 27th, 1947, to the late William Edward Coleman Sr. and Evelyn Victoria Short-Coleman. She was the third eldest of thirteen siblings, and from an early age, her compassionate spirit and unwavering determination were evident to all who knew her.

A woman of incredible resilience and dedication, Evelyn wore many hats throughout her life. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Health Aide, Bank Encoder, Ticket Agent, and a devoted homemaker. No matter the role, Evelyn carried herself with grace, kindness, and an unmatched attention to detail. Her work ethic and commitment to serving others reflected the values that shaped her life.

Yet above all, Evelyn was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her ministry was not simply a title—it was her life’s purpose. She faithfully served as a devoted minister at several churches, where her powerful sermons, heartfelt prayers, and compassionate counsel uplifted and transformed countless lives. Her faith extended beyond the pulpit, as she poured her heart into community outreach, particularly through her work with the El Shaddai Ministry Food Pantry, providing care and nourishment to those in need. She truly led by example, living out the principles of grace, wisdom, and service.

On Tuesday, June 19th, 1990, Evelyn was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Russell West Drake Jr., with whom she shared many years of partnership, love, and spiritual devotion. He preceded her in death, along with her daughters, Wallisicia and Karen Yvette; her grandchildren, Beverly, Shadasia, and Junior; her great-grandchildren, Mariah and Garrett Jr.; and her brothers, Larry Darnell, George Nathanial, Clarence Bernard, Clifton, and Melvin Alexander.

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory her three devoted daughters: Sharon (Kenneth) Joye, Candy BoJang, and Danette Brown, all of Bronx, New York. Her legacy continues through her twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her love and wisdom. She is also survived by two loving brothers, Rev. William Edward Coleman Jr. (Bonnie) of Trenton, New Jersey, and Haywood Fields (Jamena) of Statesboro, Georgia; and five cherished sisters, Elder Doris Peterson (Willie) of Hillside, New Jersey, Deacon Beatrice Green of Bronx, New York, Jeanette Coleman of Palm Beach, Florida, Carolyn Barnes of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rev. Lucinda R. Coleman of Lawrenceville, Virginia. Her memory will also live on through her beloved aunts, Gracie Short and Jeri Short, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Among those Evelyn held dearest was Ronald Evyon Lennon, her grandson by birth but raised as her son, whom she lovingly called her “baby.” His presence in her life was a constant source of joy and pride.

Minister Evelyn Olivia Coleman-Drake lived a life of purpose, love, and unwavering faith. Her legacy is one of service, strength, and compassion—a shining example to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, her lessons, and her love will forever remain in our hearts.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Minister Drake's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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to the family of Minister Evelyn Olivia Coleman Drake.

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