Mary Jo Drake

Mary Josephine “Mary Jo” Henshaw Drake, 88, of Asheville, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 22, 2023. She was born on March 2, 1935, in Miami, FL, to Mary Alma Smith Henshaw and Howard Warner Henshaw. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Drake, parents, brother, Richard S. Henshaw, and son-in-law, Landon Grindstaff.

Mary Jo was a graduate of Miami Edison High School and later graduated from the University of Miami in Florida with an Art Education degree. She had a passion for art and taught elementary students in North Miami. After moving to North Carolina her primary and favored occupation was being a dedicated housewife and mother.

Mary Jo was a wonderful mother, wife, and sister. She had a love for sewing, gardening, and arts and crafts. She was a former member of First Church of North Miami Congregational and an active member of Abernethy United Methodist Church in Asheville.

Mary Jo is survived by her sister, Jean Ann Johnson, of Littleton, CO; and her three children, Karen Grindstaff, of Alexander, NC; David Drake (Donna), of Leicester, NC; and Joann Shriner (John), of Cookeville, TN. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Sarah Grindstaff Lutz (Cody) of Murfreesboro, TN; Daniel Grindstaff (Brittany) of Alexander; Dakota Drake (Brittany) of Charlotte, NC; Dylan Drake (Brittany) of Asheville; Peter Shriner (Maggie) of Asheville; and Ian Shriner (Kimberly) of Burke, VA. Mary Jo was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Abigail and Eli Grindstaff, Libby and Walker Lutz, Noah, Levi, and Thea Drake, Lillian and Sadie Drake, Wiley and Mavis Shriner, and Jackson Shriner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Abernethy United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Dianne Johnston will officiate. The graveside service will take place the following day at 2:00 p.m. at Green Hills Cemetery.

Mary Jo will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her smile, laughter, creativity, and Christmas coffee cakes.