Justine K. Drake, 86, of Watervliet, passed away December 22, 2024 at Caretel Inns - St Joseph.

Cremation has taken place.  The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 8, from 4 to 6 pm at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma.  Donations in memory of Justine may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.  Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Justine was born July 27, 1938 in Benton Harbor to Rodney and Olga (Adams) Krieger, Sr.  She retired in 1999 as a magistrate for Berrien County Fifth District Court after 27 years of service. Prior to that she also served as a magistrate for Benton Harbor Municipal Court.  In her free time, Justine enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, reading, and fishing, along with painting and an appreciation for art.  She also enjoyed birdwatching and nature in general but truly loved just the overall company of family and friends.

Survivors include her children; Karen Gonzalez, Mark (Julie) Smith, and Patrick Scott (Rhonda) Smith all of Benton Harbor, and Samantha Childress of Watervliet, step children; Janice Drake and Curtis (Beth) Drake, and her brother; Rodney (Sharron) Krieger, Jr. of Coloma.  Also surviving are four grandchildren; Joshua (Rebecca) Admave, Joseph Gonzalez, Falon Roberts, Rachel Borgdergling, five great grandchildren; Grace, Carly, Kenya, Kalynn, Jayden, two great great grandchildren Memphis and Quinn, and special friends; Renee Bovo and Robert Clark.

In addition to her parents, Justine was preceded in death by her husband Gorson Drake and step father Don Shimer.