SAN ANGELO - Nelda Drake passed away in Beaumont, Texas, Friday, March 27, 2009. Born in Brownfield, Texas, Sept. 29, 1924, Nelda was the youngest child of Annie Elizabeth Neill and Thomas Marion Hobson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin Lee Bilbrey; and her siblings, Maye Weed, Ruth Monk, Gladys Lay and Emmett Hobson. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Dee Ann and Paul Robichau, Lyna Shirley Colombo and Louis Colombo; granddaughter Erin Robichau Rienstra and husband Michael Rienstra; her sister, Louise Gillis; and particularly close nieces and nephews, Sheila Wright, Mike and Sue Cline and Lyna Ruth Carter-Carnal. Nelda met Alvin when they both lived in Ballinger, Texas. After he returned from World War II, they lived most of their lives together in San Angelo, where she was an accomplished cook, gardener, homemaker and seamstress. For many years she worked as a secretary to the Science and Social Studies Coordinators for the San Angelo Public School System. Her membership in St. Paul Presbyterian Church was an important part of her life where she served as Elder. She had many constant friends, particularly the Rev. and Mrs. Fred Campbell. After Alvin's death, Nelda married Dawson Drake of Marfa, Texas, who also preceded her in death. In 2003, Nelda moved to Beaumont, Texas, to be near her loving daughter, Dee Ann Robichau. For the past five years she was a resident of Atria Senior Living where she enjoyed wonderful friendships and was loved by the staff whose kind and thoughtful care made her life enjoyable. Nelda loved the "green" of Southeast Texas and enjoyed drives to look at the coastal clouds, crepe myrtles and azaleas. We would like to express our profound gratitude to Atria Senior Living, Harbor Hospice and Beaumont Health Care Center for their guidance, love and support. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the Fairmount Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas

published in the San Angelo Standard Times on 03/29/2009