Gail Drake Edenfield, age 77, of Swainsboro, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at Hawhammock Baptist Church with Reverend Cail Pressey officiating. Interment followed in Hawhammock Baptist Church Cemetery. Family received friends one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers were Landon Frederick, Garrett Peebles, Peyton Lee, Weston Lee, Luke Lariscey, Mason Lariscey, Parker Stubbs, Jared Sammons and Riles Riner. Honorary pallbearers were Hawhammock Baptist Church Sunday School Class, Angela Kettles, Mary Claire Branan, Rosalind McVey, Phyllis Reddish, Billie Clarkson and Patricia Jarvis.
Gail was born April 16, 1948, in Millen, to the late Julian Hardrick Drake and Cleta Parker Drake. She lived a life rooted in love, kindness, and simple joys that made a lasting impact on everyone around her. Gail was known for her warm heart and genuine spirit and had a special way of making people feel welcome, loved, and right at home. To know her was to feel cared for, whether through her thoughtful conversations, her laughter, or the quiet ways she showed up when it mattered most.
Gail devoted many years of faithful service to DFCS before retiring. She was also a dedicated member of Hawhammock Baptist Church, where her faith and kind spirit touched the lives of many.
To many, she was more than a neighbor, she was like family. Whether you knew her as family, a lifelong friend, a neighbor, or someone who simply crossed her path, Gail had a way of making you feel at home. She created a space where people felt safe, welcomed, and truly loved.
Gail will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Mrs. Edenfield is preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Robert Drake, Billy Drake, Ronnie Drake and Gary Drake.
Survivors include her nieces, Julie Moore (Alan) and Leslie Drake Frederick (Mickey); nephews, Jeff Drake (Brandy) and Nicky Drake (Calli); great nieces, Avery Wilhelm (Wyatt), Parker Frederick, Kaibry Proctor, Layla Proctor and Henley Drake; great nephews, Landon Frederick, Seth Frederick (Emily) and Aaron Williams; great-great nephews, Dutton Frederick and Slater Wilhelm; sisters-in-law, Susan Drake Bishop and Gail Drake; and many friends.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
