Estella (Drake) Gulley

Estella was born April, 18, 1957 in Memphis, TN to the union of Earl Mims Sr. and Hattie Mae Jones-Mims. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and remained faithful. Estella loved the Lord and she knew that Christianity did not exempt one from death, but that it ensured triumph over it.

Estella was joined together in marriage with her 1st husband, David D. Drake Sr. and from that union two children were born: Damara Tukeya Drake and Teneesha Darchelle Drake.

After the death of her first husband she met and married the love of her life Pastor Rodney Chester Gulley and they remained happily married until her passing.

Estella attended Benton Harbor Area Schools and graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1976. She went on to continue her education obtaining an Associate degree from Lake Michigan College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and she completed her studies with a Master’s degree from Andrews University.

Elect Lady Estella Gulley was the Pastor’s Wife and beloved mother of New Covenant Community Baptist Church – she was dedicated to working within the church and held several positions– such as, Church Administrator and Financial Secretary along with many other positions. Elect Lady Gulley was also the President of Ministers Wives for the G.M.B.S.C of Michigan, President of the Ministers Wives for the U.B.D.A. She also served as the treasurer for N.M.B.C.A. under the leadership of President Alma Brassfield and was currently serving as Treasurer for the N.M.B.C.A. under the leadership of Marva Dew. Estella was blessed with the gift of singing for the Lord and was a powerful speaker. Her passion was working with and inspiring the youth in the community. Estella never met a stranger. Everyone she encountered was as though she had known them their entire life.

Estella began working for Benton Harbor Area Schools in 1978.Throughout her career she elevated into several positions until her retirement in 2011.

Estella’s life and memory will be cherished by: her beloved husband – Rev. Rodney Chester Gulley of Berrien Springs, MI., daughters: Damara Tukeya Drake of Berrien Springs, MI. and Teneesha Darchelle Drake of Katy, TX., father: Earl (Dorthy) Mims Sr. of Grand Rapids, MI., her combined children: Whitney C. (Nicole) Davis of Kalamazoo, MI., Samuel Chester Gulley, Sheldon L. Gulley both of Dallas, TX., David D. Drake Jr., James Drake, Kenneth Drake  all of Benton Harbor, MI. and Patrick Leggett-Drake of Indianapolis, IN., daughters:  Theresa Walls of Berrien Springs, MI., Sandra Gordon and Tisa Young both of Benton Harbor,MI., brothers:  Earl (Juanita) Mims Jr. and Edward Golden both of Memphis, TN., Eric (Rolanda) Samples of Elkhart, IN., sisters: Eula Henderson of Benton Harbor, MI., Mary Douglas, Brenda Curtis, Maggie (William) Johnson, Rose Mary Mims and Michelle (John) Kennedy all of Memphis, TN., Carolyn (Chester) Johnson of Houston TX., Amy (Antonio) Kyle of Kalamazoo, MI. and 41 Grandchildren and a host of Great Grand-grandchildren, as well as a host of loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: Mother – Hattie Mae Jones-Mims, 1st husband- David D. Drake Sr, (son) Rodney Chester Cantrell, brother- William Curtis, Sister- Rosie Nash.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.

Posted On: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 3:23 PM