Martha Drake of White Plains, New York, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on June 22, 1929, Martha led a life filled with love, kindness, and generosity. She was known for her unwavering dedication to helping others and her bright smile that could light up a room. Martha was a pillar of strength and grace, never failing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on June 22, 1929 in Maxton, North Carolina to William Henry (Jake) Leach & Martha Ann Purcell Leach, Martha attended and graduated from R.B. Dean School (formerly Robeson County Training School). 

In 1946, Martha married Willie Howard Drake (deceased 2007). From that union they were blessed with a daughter, Iris Drake McLee, and two sons, Rickey (deceased) and the late Willie Howard Drake, Jr (deceased 2023).   

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, William Henry (Jake) Leach and Martha Ann Leach, brother, James (T.O.) Oliver, sisters, Hilda Jane Williams, Sara Catherine Caple, Mary Elizabeth (Bone) Bushnell, Shirley Jean Leach, Vivian Delores (Toochie) Leach, and brother, Jake (Pookie Jon) Leach.  

 After the birth of their oldest child, Iris, Martha and Willie relocated to Harrison NY, where Martha was employed by the Lipman family as a domestic and caregiver for their two sons, Ken and Harold Lipman. In 1955, Martha and Willie purchased their first home at 94 Edgepark Rd in White Plains, NY.  

On August 19th, 1968, Martha was baptized into the Jehovah’s Witness faith, and attended Kingdom Hall at 49 Gibson Avenue in White Plains, NY until her return to Maxton, NC in 1982, when she became a member at the Kingdom Hall in Red Spring. 

Upon returning to Maxton, Martha worked as an Educator at the Scotland County Elementary School in Laurinburg, NC. Nurturing young people was Martha’s passion and she enjoyed her role as teacher and guide.  

In December, 2018, Martha returned to Greenburgh, NY where she lived with her daughter, Iris for the last six years of her life. Martha was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, both to those she gave birth to and those she fostered. She will also be remembered by the many children who she “adopted” in her lifetime, many of whom affectionately called her, Nana.  Kenny Hackett (Tee), Tristian & Sky. 

Martha Leach Drake is survived by two brothers, Earl Leach of Elmsford, NY, and Jessie Owen (Mae) of Mount Vernon, NY, and a sister Hannah High of Peekskill, NY, as well as daughter, Iris Drake McLee, grandchildren, William Dennis McLee of White Plains, NY, Dana Michelle McLee McDavid (Dennis)of Haymarket, Va., Tiana Drake Johnson (Brandon) of Atlanta, Ga. and Guamasuia Semaj Wilkerson of Laurinburg, NC, great grandchildren, Christian Farley and Amari & Olivia Johnson, Ke’ Arria and Ty’ Siereand a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including foster children Michael, Robin and Yvette and their children Andrew, Christopher and Cedric. 

The family would like to express our gratitude to the special people who served as caregivers during Mom’s last years with us in New York - Doris Thomas, Jackie Coleman (deceased), George Pierce, Sandra Lesibu, Gia Saunders, Geri Barker, Mary Savage, Rosalind (Roz) Berry, Sallie Dickins, Kia Hodges, Veronica, and Monica. May she rest in peace, her legacy forever remembered.