Julanne Elizabeth "Julie" Drake

Julanne Elizabeth "Julie" (Priska) Drake, 87, of Battle Creek died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.

Julanne was born October 30, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Folding) Priska. She was raised in Detroit and was a 1951 graduate of the old Cass Tech High School. After high school, Julie joined the United States Air Force and honorably served her country at the Chanute AFB. Julie retired from Battle Creek Central High School Guidance Department where she was employed for 37 years as the Counseling Secretary. Previous to that, she was employed as a secretary in the Psychics department at Albion College.

Julanne Elizabeth Priska was united in marriage to Donald Arthur Drake on March 6, 1954, in Detroit. Julie was preceded in death by Don, her husband of 56 years on August 27, 2006. Surviving are her children, Philip R. Drake of Harper Woods, Stacy L. (James) Cook of Mattawan, Stephanie J. (Gary) McNees of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Erin Drake of Indianapolis, Andy McNees of Chicago, Laura (Colin) Meschke of Portage, Zach (Sarah) McNees of Grand Rapids, Stephanie (Kevin) VanOrsdal of Portage, Jacob (Brittany) McNees of Edwardsburg, Molly McNees of Battle Creek; four great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Martin (Galey) Priska of Tampa, FL and a sister-in-law, Harriett Priska of Escalante, UT. In addition to her husband, Julie was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Philip Priska.

Julie loved playing card games, especially Bridge. She grew up playing cards with her brothers and she continued that tradition with her children, grandchildren, and friends. Family gatherings included card games, laughter, crazy conversations, love, surprises, and another love of Julie's, ice cream. Julie loved all animals and especially the cats she had over the years. Being a grandma and great-grandma, Julie's house was always full of fun, love, and activities. Julie will be remembered as a compassionate woman full of surprises, and one who was generous and always willing to help.


Julie's family will receive friends 3:00 - 3:30 pm at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church where a service to celebrate her life will be officiated by her grandson, Pastor Zach McNees 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Military honors by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Fort Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard and inurnment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery 2 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015 · (269) 963-1796.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.