Kern County Obituaries

Pauline Drakes 

Submitted by Don Stowell; 13 Feb 2008

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Mojave Desert News; 5 Dec 2002

Sept. 22, 1909 - Nov. 13, 2002
Former California City, CA resident Pauline Drakes passed away November 13, 
2002 in Buena Park, CA. She was born on September 22, 1909 to the late 
Everlena and John Thomas McKinnon in Opelika, Alabama. Pauline grew up on a 
farm in Opelika, and was the third of eight children born at home. She went 
to Rising Star Church and School in Alabama during her elementary school years 
and accepted Christ at an early age. She spent her high school years at 
Tuskegee Institute where she lived on campus. At Tuskegee Institute, Pauline's 
science teacher was Dr. George Washington Carver. In her senior year she changed 
schools and went to Georgia Normal and Agricultural College. After graduating 
from college, she gave birth to her only child. While in her twenties, Pauline 
married Grady Drakes. In the late 40's she moved to Los Angeles. After her move 
she worked at Hatfield's Department Store and shortly thereafter, went to work 
for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She retired from LAUSD in 1974 after 
over 30 years of service. In the early 1950's, Pauline joined the Pilgrim 
Missionary Baptist Church and was a member for over 40 years. After retirement, 
she relocated to California City in the Mojave Desert and continued to commute 
to Pilgrim until her health failed.. Due to her illness, her granddaughters moved 
her back to the Los Angeles area to be closer to them. Pauline leaves to cherish 
and rejoice her memory, her sister, Beatrice Thomas of Opelika, AL; her son, Thomas 
N. McKinnon, Sr. of Columbus, GA; her former daughter-in-law, Lena P. McKinnon of 
Inglewood, CA; two granddaughters, Cynthia McKinnon-Spurling of Lakewood, CA and 
Natalie Y. Whisenton of Chino Hills, CA; two grandsons, Thomas N. McKinnon Jr. of 
Sylacauga, AL and Jonathan D. McKinnon of San Antonio, TX; five great-grandchildren, 
caregivers at St. Anne's Guest Home in Buena Park, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, 
other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held November, 25, 2002 at 
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. A repast followed at Mt. Moriah 
Apartments also in Los Angeles. 

NOTE: Photo At: http://www.calarchives4u.com/photos/kern/