Juanita Bracey Drakeford

Juanita Marie Bracey Drakeford, affectionately called "Neat", was born February 23rd, 1934 in Westville, SC to the late Walter "Buck" Bracey and the late Estelle Lloyd Bracey. On December 7, 2019 at Kershaw Health, following a brief illness, God chose another rose to place in his garden.

Juanita received her early school training in Westville, SC. She continued her education at Boylan-Haven Mather Academy and graduated from Jackson High School in 1953. She furthered her education and attended the Camden Vocational School cosmetology program. "Neat" was the best hair presser in the neighborhood.

At an early age, "Neat" gave her life to Christ and joined the Bingham Chapel AME Zion Church and served where needed in the church throughout her entire life. She served in several roles and capacities: Usher Ministry, Missionary Society, Church Secretary, Stewardess Board and she was Mother of the Church.

Juanita held several jobs in her lifetime. She was an educator, secretary, cosmetologist and she spent the majority of her late working years as a textile worker spinning fabrics at the Springs Kershaw plant, Camden Hermitage Mill and retired March 1, 1997 from the Camden Kendall Plant.

"Neat" was a member of O.E.S. Composite 227 for 40 plus years, having served in several positions. On November 21, 1955 she married her sweetheart, Coleman Westley Drakeford, Sr. To this union, four children were born. A son, Edward, would die in childhood. In October 1969, Coleman died leaving her to raise three young children, ages 11, 9, and 6 on her own. She did an excellent job raising her three children making sure that each one had a strong educational foundation and furthered their education.

In addition to her parents, "Neat" was preceded in death by her husband, Coleman; son, Edward; brother, Simon P. Lloyd; and her grandson, Kedrick Barnes.

Left to cherish her memories are, son Coleman (Mildred) Drakeford of Camden, SC; daughters, Gloria (Raymond, Sr)Clark of Holly Hill, SC, and Annette (David) Stratford of Camden, SC;five grandchildren, Marquia Drakeford, Dominique Alston, Raymond Clark, Jr, DeWayne Stratford and Raenita Clark; step-grandson, Xavier Craft; 10 great grandchildren, Ahmad, Donovan, Ty'ren, Braylen, Tyrae, Josiah, Tarah, Baylie, Emeri and Braxton; sister, M. Katherine Jackson of Westville, SC; brother, Walter (Sheila) Bracey, Jr of Westville, SC; sister-in-law, Lula Lloyd; two dear friends, Lottie Drakeford and Louella McDow; devoted caregiver Janice Drakeford Williams; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.