Iola Odessa Acton

February 23, 1935 - January 5, 2021

Iola Odessa Acton, 85, of Owensboro went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 5th at Owensboro Regional Health Systems surrounded by her children. She was born on February 23, 1935 in White Plains, KY to the late James William Louis Drake and Ora Blanch Bard-Drake. She was a member of Evangelistic Temple Church of God In Christ in Owensboro, KY where she served as Church Mother for many years. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but most of all she loved serving the Lord. She was a graduate of the Historical African-American Rosenwald High School in Madisonville, KY. In addition to her parents, Iola was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Ray Acton, Sr.; two sons: Eldred Acton and Bryan Acton and an infant daughter; three brothers: Wilford Drake, Eddie Drake, and Alford Drake Sr. and a sister: Delora “DeeDee” Phipps. She leaves to cherish her memories her son: Renfred Acton of El Centro, Ca; five daughters: Vita (Kevin) Thompson of Atlanta, GA; Zenda (Ray) Wimsatt and Odette (Keenan) Young both of Owensboro, KY; Chanda Acton of Evansville, IN and Cosmedia (Bryant) Wheeler of Louisville, KY; one stepson: Oscar R. Acton Jr. of Owensboro, KY; two brothers: Wesley Drake of Owensboro, KY and Phillip (Myrtle) Drake of Greenville, KY; an uncle: William “Bud” Drake of Madisonville, KY and two aunts: Rosa Mae Bard of Greenville, KY and Eula Nichols of Newark, NJ; ten grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and one great grandson; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. The number of attending visitation and service for Iola Odessa Acton shall be within current health and safety directives. Family and friends shall wear appropriate personal protective masks.