Mary Francis Brake

Mary Francis Brake was born on June 23, 1948, in Nash County, North Carolina, to the late Magdalene Tucker and Ed Drake. She began her Christian journey at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Educated in the Nash County School System, she worked many years in various labor-intensive jobs before retiring to focus on herself and the simple joys of daily living.

She will be remembered for her loving and selfless spirit, always willing to help others without making life about herself. Her joyful and contagious laughter filled the room and let everyone around her know she was truly present in the moment. Mary Francis found her greatest happiness surrounded by her children, especially during their visits when she knew they were doing well. She loved to cook and bake, and she cherished the times she traveled to Detroit, Michigan, to visit her son Leon and his family, where she prepared her signature fried chicken, biscuits, and potato jacks. She also took great joy in lovingly caring for her grandson Demetrius Lucas.

Mary Francis Brake passed away and is now reunited with her beloved parents, grandparents, siblings, and her son Leon Lucas, whom she missed deeply. She is survived by her loving children, Wayne Lucas, Anthony Lucas (Linda), Maggie Henderson (Michael), Kathleen Brake, and Johnny Brake; her daughter-in-law, Latrice Lucas; her siblings, Sandy Arafat (Yesser), Joan Silver, Doris Barnes, and Dennis Tucker (Linda); 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a host of loving cousins and friends; her best friend Carolyn Powers; and her significant other of 23 years, Leon Tabron. Her faith, kindness, laughter, and deep love for her family will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.