Michael John Drake

MICHAEL JOHN DRAKE was born May 16, 1947, to loving parents, the late Edmund Daniel Drake and the late Estelle Odelia Jones. He was blessed with three siblings, two sisters Bonnie who preceded him in death and Toni, and one brother Edmund. Mike was very close to and loved his siblings dearly. Also, Michael was blessed with a beautiful daughter Rachel Jones Williams, who also preceded him in death. Michael, affectionally known as Mike to his family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Carlisle, PA. He graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School. He furthered his education by attending Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1969. Mike was introduced to the Church of God and Saints of Christ {COGASOC} by St. Sandy Duncan, his ninth-grade student. He visited the Tabernacle and found he was at home. He was a student of education, participated in Sabbath School discussions, and loved imparting his knowledge. He joined the COGASOC in 1980 and was baptized in Harrisburg, PA by his pastor, the late Elder Robert Madison, and the late Deacon Andrew Symes. He became a choir member in 1980, treasurer of the Son’s of Abraham and a trustee for 10 years. His first job out of college was for an insurance firm in Connecticut, but he soon returned home to Harrisburg to begin his career and passion as an educator. Mike was employed by the Harrisburg School District mentoring and teaching youth for 34 years. He retired in 2005. He became a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1966 AND SERVED FOR 50+ DEDICATED YEARS. He also was a Master Mason of William H. Plummer Lodge #271. Michael visited Baltimore often!! Little did we know why he made so many frequent visits, it came to our surprise that there was a beautiful chocolate lady, that caught his eye. “The fabulous Linda Green!!” Their loving courtship started in 1991, and five years later he asked for her hand in marriage. Of course, she said YES!! On October 13, 1996, they were joined together in holy matrimony. This couple truly lived their vows. In sickness and in health, till death do us part. A blended family was made. Michael was blessed with two beautiful young men, Daniel and Keith Green. What a true and great example of a loving Dad and Father, that was Michael. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. He loved to talk, could talk, and would talk to anyone. He consistently kept in regular contact with ALL of his family and friends. Conversations were never lacking when he was around, whether with random people he’d meet during his daily errands, chewing the phat with his frat brothers, or banter with the neighbors. He always injected his infectious positivity and humor into every conversation. That’s our MIKE!!! We’d always wonder what quirky saying he’d come up with next. A few of his favorites were, “We are busier than a one-legged man in a kicking contest”, “I haven’t seen you since Superman died”, “Let’s split like a banana split” and “It made my socks roll up and down.” Mike did community service as part of his daily life and lived a life of servitude. If he had the means to help ANYONE with ANYTHING no matter the task or deed, whether small or large, he was always first in line to assist. He would often be the generous person buying and giving food to the homeless or anyone in need. Every year, he’d love to buy turkeys for Thanksgiving baskets and go into the city and distribute them to families. We will miss his largeness of heart. Mike also had hobbies. He loved cooking, fishing, reading, and playing golf. He knew he was the next Tiger Woods and THE (Emeril) Mike Drake of Owings Mills. As a member of the Baltimore Tabernacle, he became a member of the local choir, singing bass and tenor with a few solos. He initiated the Motown Review for the First Tabernacle Choir, Prison Ministry and the Elder Care Ministry at Manor Care Nursing Home. He was frequently asked by the pastor, to give the word, for Friday evening, Sabbath services, including High holidays and impromptu occasions. On October 19, 2024, after enjoying a glorious Sabbath service, eating a delicious meal and taking a Sabbath nap, Mike went peacefully home to his loving and merciful Father. The voice of his Father came to him saying, “Well done my son, your work is done. Enter now into the joy of the Lord.” He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife and soul mate of 33 years, Linda; two sons, Daniel Michael Green Jr. and Keith Green (Jinaki); one sister, Toni Meyers (Larry); one brother, Edmund Drake; two brothers-in-law, John Anthony and James Dyson Sr.; one sister-in-law, Amy Dyson Boekhoudt; six grandchildren, Jasmine, Michael, Zachary, Noah, Kobe, and Jadon; six godchildren, Alethea, Justin, Devron, LaSean, Andre, LeRoyal; six grandchildren, great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and lifelong friends.

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Michael John Drake

May 16, 1947 - October 19, 2024