Sybil Pauline (Burleson) Drake

Sybil Pauline (Burleson) Drake, 92, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026.  She was born to Rufus Carroll and Beatrice Irene (Bartram) Burleson on January 10, 1934 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Sybil married John R. Drake on April 20, 1951 in California. They then headed to the Midwest, where she became a proud, hardworking, farmer’s wife.

She was known for making the best biscuits and gravy and proudly served them at Sunday family breakfast.  When her sons were young, she enjoyed being their Cub Scout Den Mother.  Sybil was also an avid gardener and part of the Home Ec Club – she was a talented seamstress.  She enjoyed swimming at the Y, but enjoyed even more swimming in her own pool with the rest of the family.

Sybil is preceded in death by both her parents; daughter, Jo Anne Drake Swank; brother, Gene Burleson; sister, Donna Drake.

Sybil’s family was her greatest joy.  She is survived by her loving husband; sons, John T. Drake (Mary), Jim Drake (Terry); daughter, Judy Hurst; brother, Richard Burleson (Eve); sister-in-law, Pat Burleson; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Cremation has been entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com

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