Funeral Services for Sandra K. Drake, 78, Lawrence will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Southern Baptist Church , 4300 W 6th Street, Lawrence. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Sandra passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, in her home in Lawrence after a battle with cancer.
She was born August 20, 1947, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Halmon (Hal) E. Joice and Winnie Mae Scott Joice.
Sandra graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965 and the University of Kansas in 1969 with a degree in elementary education. She taught for 32 years in the Basehor-Linwood, Lawrence and Jefferson County North school districts as well as the St. John’s Catholic School in Lawrence.
Following her retirement from teaching, she worked at the University of Kansas for 12 years in the Communication Studies Department.
She was a longstanding, active member of First Southern Baptist Church of Lawrence.
She was married to Gerald (Jerry) Spurlock for 16 years and they share two children – a son, Charles Scott Spurlock, and a daughter, Amy Elizabeth Spurlock.
She married Robert (Bob) C. Drake on March 8, 1986, in Lawrence, Kansas. He survives, of the home.
Other survivors include a brother, Charles (Chuck) E. Joice and Jane; a nephew, Robb Joice; three nieces, Kelly and Richard Valbuena, Katie and Steve Schwada and Kara Joice. A son, Charles and Lisa Spurlock; three grandchildren, Leah, Drake and Quincy; and a daughter, Amy Spurlock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Croix Hospice, the women’s ministry, children’s ministry and missions ministry of First Southern Baptist Church Lawrence.
Charles – I received word from my mother a few days ago of Sandra’s passing, and i wanted to extend my sympathies; this must be very hard. How thankful we can be that the Lord has passed through death and has gone before us and was waiting for her on the other side. May the Lord strengthen you
Robert, Charles and Amy..You have lost big! Sandra was someone who always spread joy and encouragement throughout the halls of JCN. She was loved by her students and parents alike. I am so sorry she got sick and had to deal with such a horrible disease. She had a lot more people to bring joy to in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mrs Drake was the kindest teacher. At 45 I still remember her from 1st grade. Happy travels to heaven Mrs Drake, the world will miss you but heaven gains someone already good at being an angel.
The world lost the best teacher. I had the privilege of having her as my 1st grade teacher in the 90’s at JCN, I’ve never forgotten the impact she had on me…and the reason I’m a Jayhawk fan. May she rest in peace. I hope she’s having a “Teddy Bear Picnic” (one of my favorite memories from her classroom) in Heaven. My condolences to her loved ones.
Prayers of peace to the family. Sandra always brought so much joy and smiles to the halls of Cordley when she came to help Amy and her students. She was a beautiful lady that took time to talk with everyone. I loved how her and Amy shared such a beautiful bond. She was a sweet lady and role model of God’s grace. May you rest in heavenly peace Sandra!
I was a student at St John’s Catholic School in the 80’s. We have lost one of the best teachers that taught at the school back in the day. Some may remember her as one of the biggest KU Jayhawks fan there ever was. And would often give Jolly Ranchers for good deeds. I was lucky enough to reunite with her about 8 mos ago. I am now working for her niece, Dr Kelly Joice. When she would come in for an appointment we would talk about the good times I would have in her class. And one day she came to her appointment all decked out in her Jayhawk apparel. After giving her a hug she told me that she wore her Jayhawk apparel for me. Truly a wonderful soul! She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.🙏❤️
Bob, Charles Scott, and Amy,
We are so sorry for your loss. We were always happy to receive the Christmas card Sandra sent. Sometimes she would include a letter with family news. She was proud of you and her grandchildren. She will be missed.
As lives pass, memories carry on forever. Keep those memories close. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
It was always a joy to meet up with Sandra in the hallways of Cordley. Her love and dedication to Amy and all the children they served together throughout the years is more than impressive. It’s extra SPECIAL and rare like a very precious gem! Here’s holding to the sweet memories and sending much love and peace. Kelly
I miss my neighbor’s smile and waves as she headed to her van. My best to you, Bob.
She was a joy to be around ❤️she will be missed, her family is in my prayers. Rest in peace🙏❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Sandra. She was always thoughtful and have a cheerful disposition. Heaven has gained an angel. Praying for you all.
Such a beautiful lady inside and out! Her Cordley family will always recall her helping Amy’s students and deliverying cookies and lots of wisdom wherever she went! What a blessing who will be greatly missed! Rest with Jesus, dear Sandra!
Bob,Charles and Amy I am so sorry for your loss. She was so thoughtful and always sent everyone in the church a Christmas card. She was lovely. Praying for you all.