In Memory of Evelyne Drake(1953 - 2018)
- Name
- Evelyne Drake
- Spouse
- Michael
- Children
- David
- Birth Date
- June 16, 1953
- Blessing Date
- July 1, 1982
- Ascension Date
- September 1, 2018
Evelyne Drake was born on June 16, 1953 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the first child of Jacqueline (Estinvil) Chaumette and Edgar Chaumette, both now deceased. She would later have one brother and four sisters. Evelyne came to the United States in 1970 together with her family. She lived in Queens, New York and attended Lehman College, studying nursing. Evelyne also took a job at May’s department store to help pay for her schooling. She couldn’t speak English well but her outgoing personality got her the job anyway.
In 1976 Evelyne’s mother met John Williams. John invited her to a Divine Principle workshop. Her mother couldn’t attend but asked Evelyne if she would go. Evelyne said yes and that night she had a dream of Jesus. Jesus handed her a black book and told her that her life would be saved if she held on to that book. Evelyne went to the workshop and when it finished she was given a Divine Principle book, which of course was black. She said her heart went boom. Evelyne joined the Unification Church right away and began working in New York. In the spring of 1977, Evelyne became a member of Rev. Ken Sudo’s IOWC witnessing team and traveled to Ohio to share True Father’s teachings. There she met her future husband to be, who was part of the team. Her husband, Michael Drake, was a 5-day workshop coordinator and lecturer and Evelyne brought many guests to the lectures. Several of these guests became members. Evelyne always loved meeting people and sharing the Divine Principle.
On May 13, 1979, Evelyne was matched by True Father to Michael Drake, who would be her husband for 36 years. They were blessed in marriage by True Parents July 1, 1982, together with 2075 couples in Madison Square Garden in New York. They began their family life in Rhode Island where her husband Michael was appointed State Leader. In 1988 they became state leaders of South Dakota. In 1990 they moved to Tampa so Evelyne could complete her education. She completed an Associate degree in Child Development Education. In 1996 Michael was appointed city director of FFWPU Tampa. From 1998-2004 Evelyne was an elementary school sub teacher in Tampa schools.
For many years they were unable to have a child. In 2004, Michael and Evelyne were gifted with David, who is now 14 years of age. In 2007 Evelyne established WFWP at USF campus in Tampa. In 2008 she began a Haiti Summer Service Project on behalf of WFWP (IRFF involved). The program ran for 7 years. In 2010 she again traveled to Port-au-Prince to help as an interpreter in aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. In 2017 their family traveled to IN/MI to sell sunglasses as a family business. She was diagnosed with leukemia in October. In 2018 they again traveled to IN/MI for business. She was hospitalized Aug. 9th when the Leukemia began advancing quickly. On Sunday, Sept. 1, she passed to the spirit world with Michael and David nearby.
To make a donation to the family, please see the GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/evelyne-drake-memorial-fund
- Date
- Sunday, September 9
- Location
- Metro Detroit Family Church
Sydelle Enyeart
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Worked with Evelyne in Brooklyn during 9/11. What a smile. All that was written about her tells you she was a worker for God and True Parents. Wishing her family she left behind to know she was amazing. IMON, Sydelle V. Enyeart
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MICHAEL DRAKE
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Thank you, Sydelle. My son and I continue to realize how great his mother and my wife was. Now she will help True Father without the constraints of the physical body. As you said she will work hard to bring God’s Kingdom. God bless you.
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Edward Kaady
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Dear Drake family;
I knew Evelyne when we worked on MFT in Indiana. She was a very highly spirited young
woman who got victory thru many different trails. Working Indiana at the time was not so
easy for Young Black Women at that time period.
She really brought allot of genuine love of heart to people she meet.
May her love in the spirit continue on in Heavenly realm of Cheon il kuk.
Mansei!!!
Evelyne.
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MICHAEL DRAKE
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Thank you, Edward. Evelyne often spoke of her fundraising days in Indiana. (my home state btw).
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Fernando P Hernandez
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I met Evelyn in Miami many years ago. Her wonderful, constant smile is what I remember most about her. May Heavenly Father welcome her to everlasting life.
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MICHAEL DRAKE
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Thank you, Fernando.
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Anne-Marie Mylar
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I have tears in my eyes, may be I feel just a bit sad, or simply because. I have known Evelyne for several years, though I never met her. She was one of my early Matching Advisors on OMS. She was so dedicated to help our members in Haiti. It was a difficult job for many reasons. We corresponded many times by emails.
I am sad for David because it is not easy to lose a parent at this time in his life. I pray for God’s comfort to embrace you both Father and Son. All of us have the privilege to understand better than many the value of our lives physical and spiritual so I know that Evelyne will be just fine and will keep an eye on both of you.
I lost my husband 6 years ago. I don’t have to be spiritually open to know that he is extremely involved in the lives of our daughter and mine to this day. So among the big tears that may flow, I know you will also have amazing smiles on your faces too, full of love and hope for the life that we all want to achieve for the sake of humanity and ourselves.
With gratitude,
Anne-Marie
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Toby Warren
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I worked with Evelyne 85/86 in Milwaukee visiting ministers. She was one determined sister and had very strong opinions about everything. We argued a lot and laughed a lot too. A unique person, an unforgettable person! Our best wishes to her husband and son.
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Alice SIMON
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Evelyn , my dearest sister, I know you will be welcomed warmly by our Our Heavenly Parent, True Father, Jesus all the your loved ones because you were a truly loving person, who strove to bring Joy to Heaven and to all those around you. May you have a safe and victorious journey Home
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Glenda Lambert
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Evelyn had the deepest heart! She was an amazing sister and I enjoyed working with her in WFWP. She will be truly missed.
You will always be in my heart, Evelyn!!
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MICHAEL DRAKE
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Thank you, Glenda. She will miss you as well but only for a while. God bless you.
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Debra Bruce
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what an amazing lady…I never met you but what a beautiful testimony…I am sure that you will do great work for mankind wherever you are….God bless you Evelyn..I can see your beautiful smile now
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Peggy Brewster
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I was lucky enough to spend 3 summers in Haiti with Evelyne. She loved her country and it’s people so much,and wanted to bring the blessing there.I pray that we can continue to build on that foundation and clear away any spiritual obstructions that have kept this country from blossoming. The indemnity has been paid!
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Seiichi Ohkawa
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I just got this notice.
Evelynne was a hard-working sister with smile always.
I miss her and those days we were together in the cold part of the country.
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Jeremiah Tobin
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I have been so moved by her story. Truly, a holy woman and a loss to the world that she has passed. God Bless Evelyne and I pray she is right there with Heavenly Parent, True Father, Lord Heung Jin Nim and Jesus, rejoicing in her new life.
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Carmen Kimura
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I’ll always remember Evelynne and her bright smile and beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed.
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Denneze Nelson
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Evelyne, an unforgettable champion for Heavenly Parent who silently contributed so much to the God’s providence in Haiti and United States. Such a kindhearted and loving sister! Mansei Evelyne! You did great!
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Judith Grant-Wilsom
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I did not know Evelynne , but can tell by the testimonies of those who did, that she is every bit the person that is described above. May our Heavenly Parent comfort you, Michael, and David, during this time. May the love and supportive prayer of so many comfort you now and always. Judith
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Jean Gomis
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Condolences to Michael, David and entire Family on the passing of Evelyne. Thanks for your hard work and sacrifice, Evelyne.
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Viviane Johnston
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I just saw that our precious sister Evelyne transitioned and I couldn’t believe she’s the one I know.
I will miss your beautiful smile and heart.
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Mary Ellen Woods
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I will never forget the short time we were together on MFT, Evelyne. You had such a zest for life and energy. Even getting up earlier than everyone to iron a shirt to look your best. I am grateful to hear what a full life you had and how much joy you gave your family! We will see you on the other side. Mary Ellen
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Sandra Lowen
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I add my family’s prayers for you, Michael and David, for the ascension of your wife and mother. Evelyn was truly a wonderful person, whose absence will be acutely missed in an era that has become less compassionate.
Our paths did not cross often, but when they did, she never failed to leave me with far more than I gave her. I met her first in early 1977. It was one of the coldest winters, and I did not have a coat. Evelyn encountered me headed for my home church area wrapped up in three thin sweaters. Above my objections she peeled off her warm jacket and gave it to me, insisting that not only did she have only half a block to walk, but also that she had a warmer coat at home. I never forgot that moment. She was like an angel of mercy to me, and showed me a kindness and a caring that cane not only from her knowledge of the Principle, but also from her loving nature.
I know that in the spiritual world she is dancing in the highest realms of the spiritual world with the saints and sages. And if there is a patron-saint of compassion it is she. The only way we who remain can miss her less is to emulate her goodness more.
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Susan Nishio
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Evelyn, I just heard you have left us! I am so surprised! Your indomitable enthusiasm for life can never be forgotten nor contained, overflowing with trust, belief, and good will in all situations. How you will be missed! I am so grateful to have known you. You had surely kept a smile on Heavenly Parent’s face, no matter the trials you shared. Thank you for the gifts you shared. Your love and investment was larger than life. And so it will remain. Many blessings Evelyn. Our love goes with you.
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