Rita J. Drake, age 79, of Portsmouth , Virginia, (formerly of Flora and Louisville, Illinois) went to go meet Jesus on March 27, 2020, at Bon Secours Maryview Center, Portsmouth, Virginia.  Rita was born on September 10, 1940, to Ozro and Faye (Coatney) Cruse, who both preceded her in death.  On September 10, 1960, she married Charles Drake, and together they celebrated 38 years of marriage until his death in 1998.  Also preceding her in death were 5 brothers and 3 sisters.  Survivors include her sister, Mary Whitworth (and husband, Bill) of Selah, Washington; a brother, Leroy Cruse, of Flora, Illinois;  2 daughters, Faye Marie Shepherd of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Rita Kaye White (and husband, Carl) of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; 4 grandsons, Sean Shepherd (and wife, Brittney) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jordan Drake, Ethan White, and Aaron White of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; a granddaughter, Julie Kilduff, of Kenly, North Carolina;  3 great-grandchildren, Isaac, Piper and Leon of Virginia Beach, Virginia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also mourning her loss are several close friends who were regarded as family members.

     Rita loved her family, whether they were blood-related or not, and enjoyed spending time with them.  She also loved fishing, country music, and was an avid hummingbird collector.  She was of the Christian faith, and deeply loved her Savior.

     Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois, is handling funeral arrangements, and due to the Coronavirus pandemic, local arrangements with burial at Speaks Cemetery in Louisville, Illinois, will be on hold until restrictions are lifted and it is safe for family and friends to travel.  As an expression of sympathy, the family is asking for any donations to be mailed directly to Faye Shepherd, 2935 Sterling Point Drive, Portsmouth, Virginia 23703, in order to assist the family with pending travel and funeral arrangements.  Cards can be sent to Kaye White, 1311 Mosley Street, Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com