Charlena Drake Wade, age 94, of Tuscaloosa, AL and formerly of Reform, AL passed away February 22, 2020 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Reform First United Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Head officiating. A private graveside service was held in Graham Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Joyce Snyder officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Love Wade; step-son, Andrew C. Wade; her parents; brother, John Taylor Drake; four sisters, Julia Alsabrook, Erin Slocumb, Frances Ashmore and Sara Henderson and great-grandson, Zane Kayyan.
Survivors include her sons, Charles D. Wade and wife, Agatha and Joe S. Wade and wife, Diane; stepdaughter, Mary Ethel Wade Price; daughter-in-law, Gerry Wade; seven grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a number of step-great grandchildren; nephew, William Ashmore and niece, Beth Fazekas.
Mrs. Wade was born December 22, 1925 in the Liberty community of Pickens County, Alabama to the late Charley Taylor Drake and Bessie Woodard Drake. Charlena and her family donated the property on which Reform First United Methodist Church and the church parsonage was built. She was the oldest living member of the church and served two terms as Head of the Board of Stewards. Charlena was the first employee of the Bank of Reform, which is now known as West Alabama Bank and Trust, and was employed from 1944-1952.
The family sends special thanks to Dr. Dawn Bryant.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Reform First United Methodist Church General Fund, 807 3rd Street NE, Reform, AL 3548