"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Sophia Diane Payne-Drake, daughter of David and Katie Payne, was born August 30, 1955. From the comfort of her home, Sophia peacefully transcended to her new heavenly home on Monday, September 27, 2021.

Sophia attended the local public schools, and graduated from North Forsyth High School class of '73.  She furthered her education at Strayer University studying Psychology.  She was employed with Wake Forest Baptist Hospital for over 30 years until her health declined. Sophia was one of the founders for the S&K Classic Ladies (Family Club), where she served as president for over 10 years.

Sophia was a faithful servant of God and maintained her membership at Shiloh Baptist Church, and was actively involved in her early years with the Youth Choir, and later  with the SBC Gospel Choir, AIP Dance Ministry, Sheepfold and the Nurse's Ministries. She also attended God's Glory Church Of Deliverance and was a member of the Praise Team.

Sophia was preceded in death by her parents, David and Katie Payne; four brothers, David Duncan, Ronald Payne, Thomas Leroy Payne, and Karl Payne; and five sisters, Rosalyn Payne, Sharon Payne-Coggins, Mary Payne-Jones, Lillian Banner, and Katrina Payne.

Sophia leaves to cherish loving memories, her husband, Thomas Drake, Jr; 6 sons, Raashaun Payne (Hope), Thomas Drake, III, Tyree Payne, Rakiem Payne-Drake, Charlie Drake and Leroy Payne-Drake; 3 daughters, Victoria Price, Latrika Payne-Drake, and Cierra Payne-Drake; 19 grandchildren; 1 great-grand, Emiloa Sophia; 1 Goddaughter, Whitney Bumpass-Myers; 1 sister, Jacquelyn Payne-Brooks; 5 sisters-in-law, Ida Duncan (devoted), Bobietta Payne, Vivian Smith, Lottie Bailey, and Nolie Miller (Ricky); caregivers (nieces): Carmen Spruill, Sheryl Lowery-Adams, Beverly McDaniel, Debra Mack, Chavora Jones, Hope Payne, Ivy Payne, Nakienah Payne-Love, and neighbor, Denita Covington; a special cousin, James Davis of New York; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Monday, October 4, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.