Christine McCoy Drake Scholarship
This scholarship is based on financial need. The ideal candidate for this scholarship possesses good character, strong academic performance, and limited financial resources to afford college tuition. The scholarship amount is $1,000 and will be awarded to a qualified high school senior who has been accepted to a college and intends to enroll.
Christine McKoy Drake, a member of the Cullman County Bar Association, passed away on September 26, 2011. A resident of Vinemont, Alabama, Chris graduated from the Birmingham School of Law in 1985. Prior to attending law school, Chris worked as a legal secretary and administrative assistant for her husband, Cullman attorney and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tom Drake. Despite attending law school, raising four children, and working as a full-time legal assistant concurrently, Chris managed to excel in all her roles.
Highly politically active, Chris tirelessly campaigned for her husband’s esteemed political career and actively participated in the presidential campaigns of George Wallace and Walter Mondale. In 1982, she herself was appointed a member of the Alabama State Board of Education. Chris successfully passed the bar exam in 1985 and practiced law as a partner at Drake & Drake in Cullman for 26 years. Notably, two of her children pursued legal careers and both married spouses who also became attorneys.
Her legal practice encompassed a wide range of areas, including general civil work, personal injury cases, and real estate transactions. She also served as the attorney for the Cauliflower Alley Club, a professional organization for wrestlers and boxers. Recognized for her sharp legal acumen and exceptional memory, Chris seamlessly juggled roles as a law firm administrator, partner, and legal assistant.
Chris is survived by her four children: Mary Drake Pate of Birmingham, Tommy Drake II of Vinemont, Whit Drake of Birmingham, and Christy Drake Lowe of Denmark; her six grandchildren: Sara Beth, Teddy, Herrin, Kaylee, Rafe, and Tiberius; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.