Cecile "Joyce" Drake

1925-2008

Cecile Joyce Drake, 82, of Billings, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 25^th, 2008.  Joyce was born on July 19, 1925, in Louann, Arkansas, to Jesse and Exie Dial.  She was raised in Ida, Louisiana, and was part of a large, loving family including six brothers and two sisters. 

Joyce met David C. Drake during World War II, and they were married on June 2, 1946.  She devoted herself to the love of her life for 62 years and to the raising of a godly family.  Her love for her husband and family was evident throughout her life until the very end.  After their marriage, Dave and Joyce settled in a small, one room cabin on Duck Creek.  They also lived for short periods of time in Bozeman, Montana and Grand Island, Nebraska prior to settling in Billings.

Joyce’s many talents included cooking, needlework, gardening, painting, sewing, and reading.  She spent many enjoyable hours baking cookies, reading, and playing games with her children and grandchildren; passing down a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.  Her love of the outdoors was evident through her thriving garden year after year.  She was always active in her church, sacrificially giving of herself through time.  She had a special place in her heart for missionaries and often had them stay in her own home.  She and Dave supported missionaries financially throughout the world.  Her husband and children love and honor the life she devoted to God and truly rise up and call her blessed! (Proverbs 31:28)

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, sister Louise Harold, and brother Zach Dial.   She is survived by her husband, David Drake; children, Gary (and Sharon) of Billings, and Tami (and Mark) of Tomball, TX; six grandchildren Jordan, Brittany, and Anjali, Jessica, Chad and Cassidy; and her siblings Dona Payton, Jesse, Joe, Billy, Danny, and Alton Dial.

        Visitation will begin Saturday at 9:00 A.M.   Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, July 1, at Faith Evangelical Church with a reception to follow.    At the family’s request, memorials may be made to the Montana Rescue Mission or Big Sky Hospice.