Julia Drake Bellow

In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 22, 2018, Mrs. Julia Drake Bellow, 71, departed this life and was granted her heavenly wings after a lengthy illness. Born in Westlake, Louisiana on July 24, 1946, Julia was the daughter of the late Cornelius and Agnes Orphe Drake.  She was educated in Calcasieu Parish Public Schools where she graduated from Mossville High School.  She attended Grambling State University to further her education where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969.

In February of 1974, Julia married her life partner, Ferman Bellow. They shared 44 years of marriage.  Together they reared three children Kwametta Latrell, Ferman Christopher and Krystal Lynn.

Julia was a retired teacher, having worked in the Calcasieu Parish School System for more than 35 years. She dedicated her life to the love of children.

Julia Drake Bellow was a devoted mother, grandmother, relative, and friend with all whom she came in contact. She was affectionately known as a second mom to many family members and close friends.  Her heart was so big that she often cared for the children of many family members while she also made sure that her own children were physically and emotionally supported.  Her life’s work included nurturing and caring for children in the classroom and beyond.

Julia attended Warren United Methodist Church as a child and into adulthood until she married her husband. After marriage, she moved her membership to Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was an active and faithful member until her illness limited her ability.

Julia is survived by her husband, Ferman Bellow; two daughters, Latrell (Kevin) Cox of Los Angeles, California and Krystal (Jannard) Rainey of Atlanta, Georgia; one son, Ferman Christopher (Stacy) Bellow of Greenwood, Louisiana; six grandchildren, Christopher Jaymes Bellow of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jordan Michael Cox, Jannard Douglas Rainey, and Jannaya Lynn Rainey of Atlanta, Georgia and Mattox Julian Bellow and Logan Barrett Bellow of Greenwood, Louisiana; one sister Gloria (Walter) Perkins of Sulphur, Louisiana; two brothers, Charles (Gertrude) Drake of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Matthew (Bythelda) Drake of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a very special sister-friend Elizabeth Roy, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Agnes Drake; four sisters Anna Mae Casinto, Bernadine Richard, Shirley Mae Jones, and Delores Perkins; three brothers, Cornelius Drake, Jr., Ernest Drake and Marshall Drake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Lake Charles at 10AM on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Fr. Richard Uche Adiukwu will officiate. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home from 5PM to 8PM on Friday, April 27 and will continue Saturday morning 9AM until 9:30AM.