Sandra "Joyce" Johnson-Drake was born to the loving union of the late M.L. and Juanita Harris-Johnson, on July 11, 1959, at Lloyd Nolan Hospital, Fairfield, Alabama. She was the fourth daughter and baby girl of the family.

As a young toddler of 3 years old, Joyce exemplified extraordinary talents. The late Cornelius Ashford, kindergarten teacher, observed her gifts, and set out to nurture and grow them for the Lord. Mrs. Ashford taught the very young Joyce to sing, recite bible verses, and most spectacularly, recite the 66 books of the bible. As a young performer, local congregations marveled at Joyce's ability to recite the 66 books of the bible followed by a rendition of "I Will Follow Jesus." Joyce became known throughout Fairfield as "Tollow" because she could not say follow, so she would sing, "Tollow, Tollow, I will Tollow Jesus."

Joyce excelled in school as well. She attended Jones Chapel Kindergarten and Fairfield public schools from grades 1-12. She graduated from Fairfield High School with high honors. Afterwards, she attended Tuskegee University, majoring in Physical Therapy. As a student, she was active in several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., and served as an Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart. During her senior year at Tuskegee, she completed an internship in Ithaca, New York. In 1981, she received a B.S. degree and started her professional career as a Registered Physical Therapist in the state of Alabama.

Joyce's professional career would span 38 years in the capacity of a Lead Physical Therapist and an Independent Registered Physical Therapist throughout the state of Alabama. After her first bout with cancer, she returned to the work force as a Manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Joyce worked there for several years, overseeing a team of Claims Specialists. Most recently, Joyce worked at St. Vincent East Rehab Center, Birmingham, AL, as the Lead Physical Therapist for Outpatient Rehab.

Other professional interests included modeling and acting. She had a passion for acting and appeared in several award-winning films and commercials. A few of her favorites were the lead suspect in "The Burning Truck" on Fatal Attraction, a cameo extra in a "Queen Sugar" episode, an audition for the secretarial role for the TV series "Greenleaf," and a fed-up wife (Mrs. Parker) in the film "Service to Man," Meharry Medical College. Acting auditions in Atlanta, Georgia would lead her to meet the love of her life, Derrick "Big Dee" Drake, AKA "The Angel," assigned by the Almighty God to love and care for her unconditionally during the extent of her illness. She would tell her sisters regularly, "I know he loves me."

Karah and Nathan were the apples of her eye. She loved them both more than life itself. As a nurturing loving mother, she devoted her life to making sure her children were well educated and followed their dreams with passion and purpose. Notably, Karah received the prestigious Maya Angelou Award presented to her by the late Maya Angelou. After graduating from FAMU, Karah started her career as a news reporter and fill-in anchor for WTXL /ABC 27, Tallahassee, Florida. Nathan touched the core of his mother's heart by serving as a Med Tech in the United States Army in Landstuhl, Germany. It was this tour of duty that would make it possible for Joyce and Karah to travel extensively in Europe, visiting major landmarks such as the Love Locks and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. After serving 6 years in the military, Nathan moved to New York, where he is currently working on a degree in Film.

Joyce was an awesome woman, full of energy, excitement, and adventure. She loved God and her faith was strong throughout her illness. She loved to travel, dress up, tell jokes, watch movies, and create phenomenal family meals. All of us will miss her fabulous chicken and dressing, red velvet cake, and collard greens.

Beautiful memories of her life will be cherished by: her loving and devoted husband, Derrick Drake of Trussville, AL; children, Karah Le'Nai Bailey of Tallahassee, FL, Nathan Emelle Bailey of Brooklyn, NY, Derrick Drake, Jr., of Louisville, KY, Che' Kelly of Gainesville, FL, and Tara Cook of Louisville, KY; sisters, Dr. Carol J. Johnson of Birmingham, AL, Rachel J. (Winfred) Williams of Walterboro, SC, and Linda Faye Johnson of Fort Wayne, IN; aunts, Attorney Anne L. Fredd of Chicago, IL and Parthenia Durrett, Louisville, KY; uncles, Jimmy W. Harris, of Birmingham, AL and John Fredd, Jr. of Dallas, TX; aunts and uncles, Cecil and Emma Talbott of Louisville, KY and Rev. Woody and Janice McElvaney; sisters-in-law, Iona B. Martin of Birmingham, AL and Shelia Drake of Prosper, TX; long-time friends, LaShanna and Charles Lacey and Adriane Allen; nieces, Kimberly Lynee (Bryan) Dotson, Shanice Drake, Felisha Drake, and Marian Drake; nephews, Central Williams II and Brantley Williams; and other nieces, nephews, grands, and precious family friends/