Lois Juanita Samuel Brake was born May 27, 1926 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late James Samuel and Rosa Dixon Samuel. She departed this life peacefully in her home on November 27, 2010. She spent her formative years in Winston-Salem, NC and attended the public schools there until her graduation from Atkins High School in 1944. Lois attended North Carolina A&T State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1948.
She was married for 58 years to Frank Junious Brake, Sr. who preceded her in death on April 16, 2009. To this union five children were born.
Lois Samuel Brake attended Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church and after her marriage joined Grace Presbyterian Church where she served faithfully before being confined by her illness. During her years of service at Grace Presbyterian Church, Lois Brake was a Commissioned Lay Pastor of the Salem Presbytery of The Presbyterian Church (USA); she was also an ordained Elder and member of the Chancel, Gospel and Fifth Sunday Singers Choir. In addition she served as Chairman of the Birthday Ministering Groups; Co-coordinator of the Youth Confirmation classes; and participated in the Tuesday Night Bible Study Class, the Hunger committee and the Presbyterian Inter-Racial Dialogue.
Lois Brake was a devoted educator as well. She taught Biology at Atkins High School and East Forsyth High School in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System until her retirement in 1990.
Along with her church and career responsibilities, Lois Brake was very active with the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds Commission; in the Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and other community activities.
She leaves behind a loving and devoted family. She is survived by her children, Dr. Myrna B. Williams (Dr. Robert L. Williams) of Winston-Salem, NC, Felecia B. Prince (Huey S. Prince) of Ellenwood, GA, Reverend Roslyn Mafico (Reverend Dr. Themba Mafico) of Smyrna, GA, Frank J. Brake, Jr. (Sharon McPhail-Brake) of Lithonia, GA, and Tammy Layer (Kip L. Layer) of Orlando, FL; one brother, Jeremiah "Jerry" Samuel (Nellie Samuel) of Jersey City, NJ; four grandsons, Marcus Prince (Stephanie), Sean Ramsey, Daven Oglesby, and Frank Brake, III.; six granddaughters, Erika Willingham, Nichelle Prince-Allison (Malike), Brionne Williams, Day Brake (Johnny), Serenitye Massey, and Jade Massey; eight great-grandchildren, Blake Daniels, Jalen Prince, Daisha Gibson, Daneka Gibson, Kayla Prince, Mikel Allison, MaKai Allison, and Dayshawn Chin; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other cherished friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Grace Presbyterian Church. Interment will be held in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC on Monday, December 6, 2010 at 12noon. An Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Memorial service and family visitation will be held from 6pm until 7:30p on Friday, December 3, 2010 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.