Judith “Judy” Howland Drake

Judy Howland Drake, 81, of Greenville, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Born in Sayre, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved, adopted daughter of the late Allen Dyer and Kathleen (Kay) Holden Howland who both preceded her in death.

Judy was predeceased by her former-husband, John Floyd Drake, Jr. Her legacy of love will continue in the hearts of her three children, Anderson Drake Little of Knoxville, TN, Adrienne Drake Carter of Greenville, SC and John Floyd Drake, III (Kristine Harlow Drake) of Greer, SC. Judy was also blessed to have six grandchildren, Austen Carter, Drake Andrew Little, Dane Matthew Little (Chelsie Bittle Little), Morgan Carter Mason (Wesley Mason), Aaron Drake and Hannah Drake; and nine great-grandchildren Andrew Craig, Riley and Peyton Mason, Paisley Isabella Little, Parker Andrew Little, Beckham Tate Little, Levi Drake Little, Lee Matthew Little and Layton Emmett Little.

Judy was a graduate of Greenville High School (class of 1960) and attended Converse College. In her early years, Judy could be found helping around the holidays at the family florist, Drake’s Flowers. She also served as her daughters’ Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years and volunteered in the Health Room at Lake Forest Elementary.

Judy later went to work in the shipping import/export business with Strachan Shipping Company, then employed by and retired from, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in their North and South Carolina offices.

Judy, lovingly called “Mima” by her family, was the most amazing daughter, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family from vacation travel to family game nights on Christmas Eve, Sunday lunches, holiday baking and decorating, and everything in between. She had a competitive edge and was a competitive Shag Dancer for many years.

Following her stroke in 2017, she suffered from aphasia, which made for many interesting conversations as she substituted creative words when the right ones could not be found. Her humor continued to shine through to all with whom she interacted. Her beautiful smile would brighten a room, her laugh was contagious, and her energy and passion were unmatched. She could often be found “biking” around NHC Greenville during her therapy sessions greeting other residents and humming a tune. She touched many lives as a resident at NHC and her presence will be sincerely missed.

Judy had a passion for animals. She especially loved the many therapy dogs that regularly visited NHC Greenville. They brought her such great joy and emotional healing. With her passion in mind and in lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to The Canine Healing Project by visiting http://www.caninehealingproject.org. This local organization rescues at-risk dogs and trains them to become therapy dogs before adopting them out to loving caregivers. All who adopt are encouraged to become certified handlers and participate in the community dog therapy program visiting local hospitals, schools, special needs centers, nursing homes and more. Memorials will allow others to be blessed by these animals just as Judy was.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown followed by the memorial service in the Chapel to celebrate her extraordinary life.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button located on the main obituary page.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Judith “Judy” with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.