Susan Lynn Drake

Susan Lynn Drake
March 20, 1951 – July 29, 2020

Susan Lynn Drake was born March 20, 1951, in Madison, Indiana, to John and Frank Eleanor Drake. The family later moved to DeFuniak Springs, Florida, where Susan grew up on a farm and learned the Southern manners that would later characterize her.
She graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a bachelor's degree, and went on to pursue further education. At the University of Florida in Gainesville, she earned a master's degree in English Language and Literature/Letters in 1976, and a Ph.D. in English Literature in 1980. For the rest of her life, she maintained her friendships and kept up a correspondence with a number of her professors and fellow graduate students.

She also maintained her interest in Elizabethan history, Edwardian literature and British programs such as "Wolf Hall" on PBS.

In Atlanta, she worked in marketing and communications positions for various companies. She ended her career as a freelance proofreader and editor, still committed to helping her clients make their writing the best it could be.

Susan was known for her admirable sewing skills, which she often put to work helping others with clothing repair. Near the end of her life, she also put her manual dexterity to work making jewelry.

Everyone who knew Susan recognized her abiding interest and care for animals, especially cats, which provided her years of companionship.

Susan died after a brief period in hospice care following a lengthy illness. She was a resident of Westminster Commons nursing home since 2013. She leaves lifelong friends from her childhood, college days and professional years.

Her friends wish to thank the entire staff at Westminster Commons for the lasting, loving attention and care they gave her during this time.

To honor Susan's love for animals, those who would like to remember her are asked to make a memorial contribution to the Atlanta Humane Society or Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters.