Anna Mae Drake

Anna Mae Drake, age 93, of Springfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 11, 2023. She was born on June 5, 1929, in Wartburg, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Samuel and Emma (Farmer) Nelson.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward R. Griffith in 1983; second husband, Donald L. Drake in 2005; her son, Donald Griffith in 2007; brothers, Leo Nelson, Lester Nelson, Lonnie Nelson, Lloyd Nelson; sister, Glenna Scott; and son-in-law, Charles Frantz.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Frantz and Pat (David) Hemsley; daughter-in-law, Sharon Griffith; grandchildren, David (Carol) Griffith, Mark (Carol) Griffith, Bryan (Tina) Frantz, Jason (Julie) Frantz, Kim (Thad) Roemer, John Hemsley, Kevin (Julia) Hemsley, Justin Hemsley and Krystle (Chris) Rhoden; 16 great-grandchildren; a dear special friend, Ken Blessing; close friend, Jan Heath; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anna was the sweetest mother, grandmother and friend who deeply loved those around her. She poured her heart and soul into the best job she could ever have and that was being a homemaker and taking care of her family. If she wasn’t cleaning and cooking, you knew the only other place she would be was outside planting and tending to her beautiful flowers. The relationships she built through the years touched so many lives, including her neighbors who quickly became more like family, watching over her and caring for her. For 93 years, the world was a little brighter because of Anna and her light will forever shine in those she loved.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 6-8p.m. at Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center. Service to honor her life will be on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:30a.m. also at the funeral home. Committal service will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens, Xenia, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences may be expressed to her family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.