Carolyn Ayers Drake

Carolyn Ayers Drake was born on a farm in Jackson County, near Marianna, Florida, to Coleman and Mattie Lee McCroan Ayers. Carolyn was a studious child and graduated as Valedictorian of her Class of 1959 at Grand Ridge, Fl High School. After high school Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, Chiron K. Pope. From that marriage of 25 years, they were blessed with two children, Cynthia (Cindy) and Chris. Carolyn enjoyed a long and successful career in finance serving as the Director of Finance and Membership Services at Florida Health Care Association. After her retirement, Carolyn volunteered with Big Bend Hospice. She was also active in a Singles Group at Faith Presbyterian Church, and it was there that she met Tom Bintliff. Tom was new to Tallahassee and Carolyn spent time with him orienting him to the area. They enjoyed a wonderful eight-year marriage before Tom’s death in 1996. Carolyn’s dear friend, LuMarie Polivka-West, introduced her to Jim Drake. They were married in 2000 and spent sixteen fantastic years together, traveling to several European countries, Alaska, Canada & US States. They also enjoyed blending their families for many holidays and Sunday Dinners until Jim’s death in 2016. Carolyn and Jim were members of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, where she volunteered in the church office, and was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. Carolyn was also predeceased by her parents, her brother, Larry Ayers, sisters, Faye Morris and Shirley Branton, grandson in law, Keith English, and a step grandson, Drake Rowland. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cynthia Pope Kelly (Tony Garcia) and Chris K. Pope (Teri); Grandchildren, Lance Kelly, Allison Kelly (Evan McLaughlin), Lindsey Pope English and Cassidy Pope Scott (Carson); Stepchildren, Kathy Drake Craig (Jim), Robert Drake (Nancy), and James G. Drake (Becky); Step grandchildren, KT Garcia, Cara Rowland Corry (Walden), Stephanie Drake, Ryan Drake and Caroline Drake; 7 great grandchildren, and her children's father, Chiron K. Pope (Trudy). Funeral services for Carolyn will be held at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Road, November 21st at noon. The family will receive visitors for a reception in Sanders Hall at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to Big Bend Hospice, Saint Paul's United Methodist Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Carolyn Ayers Drake

November 5, 1940 - November 13, 2025