Rosalyn Yvonne (Miller) Drakeford

Rosalyn Yvonne Drakeford (Miller), was born in Kings Creek, Cherokee County, South Carolina, on September 10, 1950.  Rosalyn was the fourth child born to the union of Hubert L. Miller (deceased) and Rosalyn E. Howell–Miller (deceased).  She was a twin to Harold Daune who was born approximately 1 hour before she was. They were the middle split of six siblings, two brothers older and two sisters younger, making Duane the younger brother and Rosalyn the older sister. Siblings are Hubert A. (deceased), Carl E. (Elmira), Harold D. (deceased), Gwendolyn L. Boothe (deceased) and Antionette G.L. Webb (recently widowed).  As the oldest sister, Rosalyn was a mother figure to her younger sisters.  She had the honor to name Antionette!

Rosalyn and family moved to Cleveland Ohio in 1952 where she accepted Christ at an early age and was Baptized at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Dr. R.L. Fuller. Rosalyn served on the Jr Usher Board, Jr Choir, Youth Sunshine Band, BYPU, and Sunday School.  As an adult member, she played piano for the Sunday school devotional team, taught Sunday School Hope Bible Class, and served with the Vacation Bible School Committee.  Rosalyn joined Affinity Baptist Church, Pastor Ronald E. Maxwell. She served faithfully with the Homeless Outreach Ministry, making sandwiches for women and men who were hungry and displaced.  Rosalyn had a heart of gold and got a joy out of helping people.  She had a love and passion for gospel music and playing the piano, occasionally playing on programs at other churches and events.

Rosalyn graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1968 and continued her education at Dyke College where she received an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science. Rosalyn began her career as an Administrative Secretary for Sears Roebuck at 85th and Carnegie and was eventually assigned as Training Coordinator. She later moved on to work at the Illuminating Company as Administration Secretary where she worked for several years. Rosalyn then landed a position at Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College) Marketing and Student Development department performing various tasks and duties, where she then retired.  

Rosalyn met her husband Ronald C. Drakeford Sr. in 1974 and instantly fell in love.  1 yearl later, they married and began their life together as 1 union.  Together they raised 2 loving children Laverne Y. Corbitt and Ronald C. Drakeford Jr.  

Rosalyn and Ronald Sr. enjoyed going out with friends, family gatherings, dancing, music, laughing, and living life together.  They spent 45 years together and had an unbreakable bond and love for each other.

Rosalyn was an assertive, zealous, efficient, and exuberant individual, one who persevered and was energetic and full of life with a very warm, friendly, infectious smile and laugh. When Rosalyn smiled her eyes smiled also.  She was a resilient and determined woman.  Rosalyn taught herself how to drive, she loved to meet people, spark up conversations, and she never met a stranger. Her door was always open, she was only a phone call away, and was always willing to lend an ear if you needed someone to talk to.  She enjoyed going to the hairdresser, shopping and dressing up. She loved to go on outings, spending time with her grandkids and oh how she loved her music!  Prince, Luther Vandross, and Patti Labelle were a few of her favorites.

On September 12th, the Lord took Rosalyn into his arms.  She leaves to cherish one daughter, LaVerne Corbitt (Roderick); one son, Ronald C. Drakeford Jr. (Lachelle); 7 grandchildren, Ronald C. Drakeford III, Ronae C. Drakeford, Ronnelle C. Drakeford, Malyna Corbitt, Laron C. Drakeford, Aaron K. Drakeford and Arionna M. Drakeford; 1 great grandchild Charlie O. Drakeford; and a host of close family and friends.  

Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family

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