Carol Jeannie Drake (Elsman)

Carol "Jeannie" Drake of Kalamazoo, passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center. Jeannie was born December 2, 1937 in Kalamazoo the daughter of James and Dorothy (Pierce) Elsman. Before her retirement she was employed as a waitress for Therman’s Restaurant, the Elks Club then for 12 years as a greeter for Meijer’s on West Main St. She was the original coupon lady and was very passionate about her family. On December 18, 1977 in Kalamazoo Jeannie was united in marriage to Gayle A. Drake who preceded her in death on December 18, 2007. Surviving are four sons, Tom, Don, James Forward, Marvin Witt; three daughters, Robbin O’Connor, Terri (Gary) Steele, all of Kalamazoo, Joddi Witt of Plainwell, two brothers, James (Jan) Elsman, Jr. of Bloomfield Hills, Robert Elsman of Kalamazoo. 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Dick, Kenny, Tom Elsman; sister, Sue Elsman. Friends are being received 1-3 & 6-8 pm Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East "G" Ave. Parchment, MI 49004 (269) 349-7735, where services will be held 1 pm Friday. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net