Jo Nell Drake

Jo Nell Drake, 90, of Owensboro, died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at The Heartford House in Owensboro, KY. She was born October 11, 1934, to the late Ewin and Rachel McPherson of Muhlenberg County. She had lived in Daviess County for 71 years. Jo Nell was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother. She had been a member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church for 40 years and was a very active member until her health held her back, just recently. Jo Nell never knew a stranger; she welcomed many new members and oftentimes her and Argle invited them to lunch or dinner. She was on the Wednesday evening cooking team and everyone loved her famous cornbread. She was a leader in the Nursery for many years and several parents would say “She ran a very tight ship”. Jo Nell and the ladies of her WMU group made dresses and short sets to send to Nicaragua and to the Lakota Indians in North and South Dakota. She was active in the missions at Oneida Baptist School in Eastern Kentucky and made several trips there, even driving the church van on several of those trips. She taught Sunday School for several years and she would help with any project that she possibly could. She had no issue with going to all the classes and demanding money “nicely” for several projects. Her most enjoyable times were spent with the Young at Heart groups on their multiple trips taken over the years. Jo Nell had a way with prayers and lead prayers in her Sunday School class that had a way of lifting each and everyone of her classmates up.

She was preceded in death by her husband Argle Drake, Sr.; son Argle Drake, Jr.; parents Ewin and Rachel Mcpherson; brothers Cecil McPherson and Waymon McPherson; sisters Linda Blake and Brenda Young.

Survivors include children Kenneth (Wendy) Drake of Beaver Dam; Sandra (David) Berry of Owensboro; Curtis (Charlotte) Drake of The Villages, FL. Seven grandchildren, Amy Coffman; Aric Drake; Melissa Drake; Lee Ann Walker; Chris Cameron; Adam Cameron; Courtney Hillard. Fifteen Great-grandchildren, Joshua Bittner; Jacob Clemons; Damian and Ryan Vincent; Morgan and Megan Milby; Kristen Drake; Emaleigh Pyle; Alexis and Jenna Beals; Scott Cameron; Jordon and Hayden Cameron; Raelynn and CharlieBeth Hillard. Six Great Great-grandchildren, Lillith and Emmett Vincent; Easton, Koe, Matthew and Maverick Cameron; brother Charlie McPherson of Muhlenberg County; sisters Peggy Beliles, Hettie Garrett of Muhlenberg County and Bonnie Cartwright of Owensboro; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be 11 AM Friday, September 19, at Yellow Creek Baptist Church with burial following in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 3 PM until 7 PM Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 10 AM until the time of the service Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yellow Creek Baptist Church Missions, c/o Yellow Creek Baptist Church, 5741 Kentucky 144, Owensboro, KY 42303. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.