Lee Drake; Obituary, Death: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lee Drake, a beloved teacher, friend, and cherished member of the Cleveland Road Elementary community. Ms. Drake passed away on the morning of January 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 38 years old and had spent the past six years making a profound impact on the lives of students, colleagues, and the community she so dearly loved.
Lee was born on February 22, 1986, in Clarke County, Georgia, to her proud parents, Jennifer and Michael Drake. From a young age, it was clear that Lee had a passion for learning and a natural gift for teaching. She was always the one to help others, whether it was tutoring classmates or volunteering her time to assist in school events. Her love for education led her to pursue a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia, where she graduated with honors and set the stage for what would become a lifelong commitment to teaching.
In 2019, Lee joined the Clarke County School District (CCSD) as a third-grade teacher at Alps Road Elementary School, where she quickly became known for her infectious enthusiasm and ability to inspire her students. Lee’s classroom was a vibrant, welcoming place filled with creativity, kindness, and learning. Her students thrived under her guidance, and many looked to her not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and friend.
Lee’s impact extended far beyond the classroom as she developed meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues alike. In 2020, Lee transferred to Cleveland Road Elementary to continue her journey as an educator. She became a fourth-grade teacher, where she spent the remainder of her career. Her unwavering dedication to her students and her profession shone through in everything she did.
Lee had a special ability to make learning fun, and she was tireless in her efforts to meet the needs of each and every child in her care. Her classroom was a place of safety, encouragement, and growth, where her students felt valued and empowered to succeed. Lee’s colleagues admired her not only for her teaching skills but also for her warm, supportive nature.
She was always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was offering guidance to a new teacher, collaborating on lesson plans, or simply being there to listen. Lee’s positivity and energy were contagious, and she created a work environment where her fellow teachers and staff felt like a family. She approached each day with a smile, and her laughter and kind spirit filled the halls of Cleveland Road Elementary.
She was a true team player, and her absence will be felt deeply by those who worked alongside her. In addition to her work at the school, Lee was known for her strong sense of community. She was an active participant in Ashford Memorial Methodist Church and always sought to give back to her community. Whether it was through charity events, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives, Lee’s heart was always open to those in need. She believed deeply in the power of kindness and was a beacon of hope for many.
Outside of work, Lee enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved pets. She had a love for outdoor activities and often took long walks in the beautiful Georgia countryside. Lee also had a creative side and enjoyed painting and crafting in her free time. She was known for her quick wit, her adventurous spirit, and her love of laughter, which she generously shared with everyone around her.
Although Lee faced a difficult and prolonged illness, she showed immense strength, courage, and resilience throughout her battle with cancer. She approached each day with grace and an unwavering commitment to her students and her loved ones. Despite her own struggles, Lee never wavered in her desire to support her students and ensure they had the best possible education. Her determination and positive outlook were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Lee is survived by her parents, Jennifer and Michael Drake, her siblings, Evan Drake and Megan Drake, and her extended family and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by the hundreds of students whose lives she touched and the colleagues who had the honor of working with her. Lee was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Alice and Edward Moore, and her paternal grandfather, Henry Drake.
A Celebration of Life for Lee will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Ashford Memorial Methodist Church 1 South Main Street, Watkinsville, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by Lee are invited to attend and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cleveland Road Elementary School Fund or the American Cancer Society, organizations that were dear to Lee’s heart. Donations can be made directly at the service or through the family’s designated charity page. Lee’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
She touched the lives of so many, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. Lee will be remembered for her dedication, her joy, and her unshakeable belief in the power of education. In the words of her favorite quote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” — Henry Adams
Lee’s influence will undoubtedly live on in the many lives she touched, and her memory will remain a source of inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Lee. You were a light to all, and you will never be forgotten.
