Nannie Christine Pridgen Drake

Nannie “Nan” Christine Pridgen Drake, age 86, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021. Born in Nash County, NC on August 17, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Wiley Daniel Pridgen, Sr. and Sarah Millie Kennedy Pridgen. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Ray Drake; her daughter, Helen Drake Rackley; her brothers, Theodore “Ted” Pridgen, George “Doc” Wimble Pridgen, Wiley Daniel “W.D.” Pridgen, Jr., Billie “Bill” Gray Pridgen; her sisters, Edith Pridgen Joyner, Jeanette “Jan” Pridgen, Pattie Lou Pridgen Bone, and Kay Pridgen Ezzell.

Nan worked at the Edgecombe County ABC in Whitakers for many years. She retired with 35 of dedicated service with Black & Decker in Tarboro. Nan loved people and loved to help as many people as she could. She enjoyed her flowers, working in her garden and playing golf. Nan loved to cook for her family and friends. Listening to gospel music was also an enjoyment of hers along with reading and writing short stories.

Nan is survived by her son, Timothy Drake (Connie); her grandchildren, Sammy Rackley, Steven Rackley, John Driver, Shannan Outlaw, Garrett Outlaw; her eight great-grandchildren; her brother, Autry Pridgen; son-in-law, Phil Rackley; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Mill Branch Primitive Baptist Church, 5597 S. Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 with Rev. Autry Pridgen officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Mill Branch Primitive Baptist Church.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.