Norma Audrey Drake
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Obituary
N. Audrey Drake, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on March 12, 2026. She was born July 7, 1933 in Liverpool, England.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Drake Jr., her Parents, Mary and Richard Price, her brothers, Edward and Richard, her son, Richard S. Drake and great-granddaughter, Berkleigh James Oxford.
Audrey was educated in England, having been the recipient of a prestigious scholarship, one of only two awarded each year in the city of Liverpool. She was a career military wife (United States Air Force), who lived throughout Europe before moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1974.
Audrey was a longtime breeder of championship Pekingese, proudly owning the number one Pekingese in the United States for several years. She also owned and showed a top-winning Maltese, reflecting her deep knowledge and dedication to the world of purebred dogs. For nearly 25 years, she owned and operated the Animal Fair Dog Grooming shop, where her passion for animals and commitment to excellence were evident to everyone who knew her.
Audrey was an intelligent woman with a strong character and unwavering determination. She loved her four-legged family members more than life itself and devoted much of her life to their care and success. Audrey lived her life exactly the way she chose — boldly, independently, and on her own terms — something not many people in this world can truly say.
In her final year, Audrey made many friends and formed wonderful relationships with the caring staff at Ciel Senior Living and Mill Creek Health and Rehab. Their kindness, compassion, and support meant a great deal to her and to her family, who will remain eternally grateful for the care and friendship they provided.
She is survived by her daughters, Maryanne Drake Harbit of Charleston, SC, and Janet Oxford with son-in-law, Michael of Fayetteville and, her grandchildren, Sheilah Rupe and husband David, Jeremy Oxford and wife Kim, Peter Oxford and wife Kate, all of Fayetteville, Christopher and Eric Harbit of Charleston, SC, and 6 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Collins Cornwell, Addyson and Mason Oxford, and McKenzie and Harper Oxford, and her remaining Pekingese, Dickens.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00AM. A private burial will follow at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Drake Jr., her Parents, Mary and Richard Price, her brothers, Edward and Richard, her son, Richard S. Drake and great-granddaughter, Berkleigh James Oxford.
Audrey was educated in England, having been the recipient of a prestigious scholarship, one of only two awarded each year in the city of Liverpool. She was a career military wife (United States Air Force), who lived throughout Europe before moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1974.
Audrey was a longtime breeder of championship Pekingese, proudly owning the number one Pekingese in the United States for several years. She also owned and showed a top-winning Maltese, reflecting her deep knowledge and dedication to the world of purebred dogs. For nearly 25 years, she owned and operated the Animal Fair Dog Grooming shop, where her passion for animals and commitment to excellence were evident to everyone who knew her.
Audrey was an intelligent woman with a strong character and unwavering determination. She loved her four-legged family members more than life itself and devoted much of her life to their care and success. Audrey lived her life exactly the way she chose — boldly, independently, and on her own terms — something not many people in this world can truly say.
In her final year, Audrey made many friends and formed wonderful relationships with the caring staff at Ciel Senior Living and Mill Creek Health and Rehab. Their kindness, compassion, and support meant a great deal to her and to her family, who will remain eternally grateful for the care and friendship they provided.
She is survived by her daughters, Maryanne Drake Harbit of Charleston, SC, and Janet Oxford with son-in-law, Michael of Fayetteville and, her grandchildren, Sheilah Rupe and husband David, Jeremy Oxford and wife Kim, Peter Oxford and wife Kate, all of Fayetteville, Christopher and Eric Harbit of Charleston, SC, and 6 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Collins Cornwell, Addyson and Mason Oxford, and McKenzie and Harper Oxford, and her remaining Pekingese, Dickens.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00AM. A private burial will follow at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Funeral Service
11:00 am
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Jul 7, 1933
Mar 13, 2026
92
Tributes
Mary Ann, Janet and family,
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Audrey. I have many, many fond memories of my long friendship withheld in Audrey. We would spend hours on the phone talking. She was there when Meg had Baylie and there when Tom passed away. Her knowledge of all things dog was amazing. I know the dogs that passed from her life were anxiously waiting for her at the Bridge. Rest in Peace, Audrey, until we meet again.
Cheryl Schuman - A friend for many years.
Funeral Service
11:00 am
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Fayetteville, Arkansas
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Jul 7, 1933
Mar 13, 2026
92