Nichelle Yvette Drakeford

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

Nichelle Yvette Drakeford was born June 8, 1967, a beautiful daughter of the late Alma Lyles Drakeford and John Drakeford Jr. in Camden, South Carolina.

Nichelle was educated in Kershaw County School District, in Camden South Carolina, and graduated of Camden High School class of 1985.

She started her Christian journey early in the home of her Grandmother Ms. Willie Catherine Lyles with other family members. Nichelle was baptized at Sanders Creek Baptist Church. She was an active member until recently when her health enabled her. When the church doors were open she was sure to attend. She had an angelic voice that sang praises for the Lord as a youth throughout adulthood. Nichelle was a dedicated Sanders Creek Baptist Church member as she served on many committees. Participated faithfully during revivals with the Adult Choir and was a lead singer on The Inspirational Mass Choir of Camden, South Carolina toured across the U.S. and she made many friends along the way.

Friendship and passion for Christ.

Nichelle was an avid supporter of her grandchildren and Camden High School sports. She went to every event she could to support the team. When she couldn’t attend you could find her on the porch tuning in on the radio station. She loved to cook and was famous for her fried chicken.

Nichelle descended from her earthly dwelling on March 5, 2024, to enter her internal home to rest. She knew the joy of the Lord!

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Willie C. Lyles, John and Lucille Drakeford; her aunts Elouise (Eugene) Drakeford, Bobbie Robinson, Henrietta Lyles-Gray, and Mary Sue Truesdale; great aunts Betty Davis and Sally W. Oliver; uncle John Truesdale Sr.

Nichelle cherished and leaves fond memories with; Son, Antonio D. Drakeford of Camden, SC, daughter Annika Drakeford-Johnson (Nicholas) of Camden, SC, brothers John Drakeford III and Judge Darrell Drakeford all of Camden, SC, Christopher Griffin of Long Beach, CA, Larry (Freeze) Pearson of Columbia, SC; sisters Judy Pugh (Willie) of Elgin, SC, Jazmina McEleveen of Camden, SC; treasures of her heart grandchildren Tylin Drakeford, Alijah Drakeford, Jai’u Drakeford, Jai’Layshia Drakeford, Kinslee Johnson, and Khilee Drakeford all of Camden, SC; Aunts Wilhelmina L. Drakeford of Camden, SC, Louise D. Adamson of Spring, TX, Barbara (Woody) “Bobo” Woodard and Louvenia Drakeford all of New York, NY, great aunt Mary Brevard of Camden, SC; Nieces, Ante’ Harrison and Iman Drakeford of Camden, SC, Shanquita Moore, Camden, SC; Nephews, Antonio Harrison of Columbia, SC and Ethan Drakeford of Camden, SC Leron Wheeler, Greensboro, NC, Isaiah Pearson Charlotte, NC; godson DaVea’ Cauthen of Camden, SC; god-sisters Ronetta Pickney and Paris Salmond of Camden, SC. Her loving cousins that were by her side each day in the midst of her illness, Catherine Robinson, Janice Robinson, Renee L. Cauthen, Valerie Cooke, Lakhen Cooke, Courtney Massey, and the ENTIRE “2504” FAMILY, a cousin close as a brother, Teddy Nelson; sister at heart Jermaine Eason; special daughter Felicia Cooke and a host of other relatives.

Nichelle had an abundance of love and support from her lifelong friends; Evangelist Deborah Gray, Denise Massey, Carolyn Smith Haile, Greta Favor Graham, Cindy Massey, Tabitha Williams, Carrie Wheeler, Donna Moses, and Teresa Warren.