MERLE DRAKE June 23, 1924 - June 25, 2012 FAIRPLAY, SC Merle Brooks Drake, age 88, of Fairplay, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2012 at the Rainey Hospice House. Born in Anderson County, SC, she was a daughter of the late Lawson A. Smith and the late Mattie Vaughn Smith. She retired from Owens Corning Fiberglas. Merle was affectionately known as "The Apple Lady", due to the many years peddling fruits and vegetables throughout the city of Anderson. She is survived by a son, Hoyt Brooks and his wife Carolyn; a daughter, Debbie Skelton Patterson and her husband Dennis; 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Wade S. Drake; 3 brothers, J.T., Robert and L.C. Smith; 4 sisters, Ophelia Shaw, Ola Mae Gentry, Farah Yeargin and Frances Shaw. The family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A Graveside service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Drake will follow at New Silver Brook Cemetery at 11:30 am with Reverend James Erwin Dyar officiating. The family will be at their respective homes. Events Visitation Thursday, June 28, 2012 10:00AM - 11:00AM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Graveside service Thursday, June 28, 2012 11:30AM New Silver Brook Cemetery 440 E. Shockley Ferry Road Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 8642244343 Final Resting Place New Silver Brook Cemetery 440 E. Shockley Ferry Road Anderson, SC 29624