By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
August 31, 1952 – October 21, 2026
Owasso
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Jauna Lou (Head) Drake, 74, couldn’t wait to spring into this world. Though she was meant to be born in her hometown of Pryor, OK, her mother went into labor during a shopping trip in neighboring Claremore, OK, on August 31, 1952. On October 21, 2026, Jauna passed away following complications from a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, intellect, and profound generosity.
From an early age, Jauna possessed a sharp mind and a love for language and performance. She excelled in speech, debate, and drama at Pryor High School before attending Oklahoma Baptist University, where she met lifelong friends. Her analytical talents led to a successful career with theState of Oklahoma, where she served as a state budget analyst in the Department of State Finance.
On May 21, 2009, she married Andy Drake. Together, they shared a beautiful life, eventually moving from Texas to retire in Loveland, Colorado, in 2018. Retirement did not slow Jauna’s desire to serve. She dedicated her time as a volunteer mediator in the Houston area, was active in her church, and lent her expertise to local oversight committees in Loveland.
Jauna’s life was defined by service, a commitment that continued even after her passing. Through organ and tissue donation, she joined the rare 2% of eligible donors. Her extraordinary contribution is expected to transform the lives of more than 80 recipients.
She is survived by her brother, Roger Head (Katrina) and their five children; Sister-in-law Frances Head; her stepchildren, Brian Drake (Amy), Kyle Drake, and Rebecca Dennis (Ryan); her cherished grandchildren, Gavin, Evangeline, Camille, Lily, Kieran, Quinn, Julian, and Naomi; and dear friends, Ed Burkhamer and Paulette Lytle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy; her parents, John and Wanda Head; and her brothers, Charles Head and Tom Head.
Jauna’s quiet determination and amazing smile touched everyone who knew her. In life, she analyzed numbers and mediated differences; in death, she gave the gift of life.
