Dennis J. Drake Sr.

DENNIS JEROME DRAKE, SR. was born on November, 7, 1945, to Syrene Drake and the late Jerome Williams. Syrene gave birth to Dennis in their family home in Turner's Station, MD. Dennis was the oldest of Syrene's two children. Earlier in his life his mother married Otis Bennett and Dennis was blessed to gain a loving stepfather and forever friend.

Dennis was raised in Baltimore City where he developed many lifelong friendships. Educated in the Baltimore City School System. He entered the United States Army at the age of seventeen after graduation and served two years. After leaving the service, Dennis began a career with the Grain Elevator Company in Port Covington, Maryland. In 1967, he married Barbara Peterson, and he was blessed with two daughters and a son.

Once the Grain Elevator Company relocated, Dennis found his way to Happy Hocker's; a pawn shop near the historic Cross Street Market where he developed a love for fine jewelry and collectibles. In this new crossroad of life, he reignited a relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Celestia Grays which resulted in a marriage and him gaining five bonus daughters in 1996.

Dennis spent his later years as a professional chauffeur. He developed many lasting friendships through his professions. Dennis was well known for his love of clothing, hats, dancing, "Cadillacs" and boots. It's been told by his Mom that he enjoyed "dressing" even as a child. Dennis had a smile that could light up the room and a deep baritone voice that demanded attention. Dennis was well loved and respected in his community. He was the confidant of many. Always sharing words of encouragement and wisdom. If Dennis loved you, you knew it. He had no fear of showing affection to man, woman, child or friend.   

Dennis was proceeded in death by his fathers, Jerome Williams and Otis Bennett, his younger brother, Charles Drake and his cherished son, Dennis Jerome Drake, Jr.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Celestia Drake; mother, Syrene Bennett; one son, Kevin; seven daughters, Tracey, Latonnia, Valerie, Kim, Karen, Shiryl and Tyann; one brother, Otis Bennett  (Patricia); two aunts, Ruby Lee and Elaine Asher; one special sister/cousin, Yolanda Drake and her daughter, Keturah Drake Nunnally; one godson, Cortland Watts; fifteen grandchildren, Taneka (Dana), Antonia (Sheena), Tamaren, Naami (Yasiel), Michael, Shante, Jada, Darius, Justin, Dennis III, Devin, Jaaron, Tyreke, Varia and Chayse; 12 grand-grandchildren, Nava, Jeremiah, Zachariah, Nehemiah, Blake, Tristan, Haven, Simba, Lennox, Kaizar, Alaizar and Bryson; his adopted family, Kevin and Lisa Brown and their three sons; nephews, Kenneth, Charles Jr. and Ian; niece Jessica; and a host of other family and friends.  

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