Mrs. Iona Drakes

Iona Rosina Drakes-Als was born October 10, 1951 to her loving parents Lionel N. Drakes and Genethia I. Drakes. She was raised in Lower Carlton, St. James. Iona spoke often of her idyllic childhood with her parents, her brother, numerous cousins and other family members. She often said she felt blessed to grow up in Barbados and was proud of her Bajan culture and heritage. She always spoke fondly of her time as a student at Alexandra School. After graduating from Alexandra School Iona became a primary school teacher in the community where she grew up at St. Albans School in Lower Carlton, St. James. She helped shape the lives of many children in the community. She found great fulfillment during her years as a teacher. Her work and the impact she made in their lives was a great source of pride to her. She worked at St. Albans until she immigrated to Willingboro, NJ, USA and got married. After immigrating to the USA Iona resumed working for a short time as a teacher. However, she soon became an employee of the state of New Jersey at New Lisbon Development Center working with developmentally disabled adults. Working with the residents was very rewarding to her. She spoke often of how much she enjoyed helping them. She also developed strong bonds with several of her coworkers at the facility. When she retired from her job with the State of New Jersey and returned to Barbados. During that time, she remarried to her first love Ronald Als and started a new chapter in her life. In recent years Humble, Texas became her second home as she travelled back and forth to visit family and in recent years for medical treatment. Throughout her life Iona developed strong relationships with students, co-workers and deepened bonds with her family and friends. She had a deep desire to connect with people. She loved her friends and family deeply. She was a supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother, cousin and sister. She had infectious personality and laughed out loud often. She would often do a little dance when eating her favorite foods. She was petite in stature but had a big heart and a sassy personality. She had a sharp wit and loved trivia and history. Even though she was retired she remained an educator and was happy to share her knowledge and perspective on life. She loved sports and watching different sporting events brought her so much joy but her first love was basketball. She loved the sport and the NBA. After a brave battle with cancer Iona “Mum” “Granny” Drakes-Als went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on May 23, 2024. Special thanks and appreciation to her oncologist Dr. Christine Lee, the staff at Texas Oncology-The Woodlands and the staff and volunteers at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands Medical Center for their steadfast care and kindness to her. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make donations to Global Outreach Community Church or Houston Hospice.

Mrs. Iona Drakes

October 10, 1951 - May 23, 2024