Obituary of Henrietta Virginia Drayton

ROCHESTER, NY – May 16, 2024 Sister “Mother” Henrietta Virginia Drayton The loving arms of the late Buck and Georgia Patrick-Nero welcomed seven boys and two girls into their family. Henrietta Virginia Nero-Drayton was the youngest, and they welcomed her into the world on August 4, 1933 in Sumter, South Carolina. Sister Drayton was the last surviving soul of all her siblings. Sister Drayton received her elementary and secondary education in Sumter, SC. In 1951, she met the love of her life, Willie A. Drayton Sr., an Air Force man stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter. Willie and Henrietta were united in marriage in 1952. They relocated to New York State and made Rochester their permanent home. They were married for 46 years when God called Willie home in 1998. Sister Drayton was a devout Christian woman. Her late husband became a minister, and she had the distinct honor of being the First Lady at a number of churches in Rochester, NY, Jamestown, NY, Erie, PA, and Buffalo, NY, where her husband pastored. Sister Drayton joined First Church of God in Rochester, NY, under the pastorship of the late Reverend Herbert Shankle. She continued her membership there under the pastorship of the late Reverend Harold Mars, her late husband, Reverend Willie A. Drayton Sr., and the current pastor, Reverend Dr. Dwight Fowler. In 2005, she became a member of Hope Divine Church of God in Rochester, NY under the pastorship of her eldest son, Pastor Sammie L. Drayton, Sr. At all the churches where she served, not only was she “the First Lady” but she was an usher and also labored in other capacities in the church. She served a number of years as the president of the Usher Board. Over the years, she religiously attended the usher board’s conventions held across the country. She also loved to attend the camp meetings at West Middlesex, PA. Sister Drayton faithfully served God and her churches for over 65 years. Sister Drayton was employed at National Clothing Store as a clerk for ten years before gaining employment at Strong Memorial Hospital as a transportation supervisor, retiring after 40 years of service. She was also employed at Burlington Coat Factory for approximately 15 years, where she retired as a sales clerk. She later volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital for ten 10 years. Known for being an elegant and distinguished dresser, Sister Drayton had the dresses, hats, and shoes to match. Her favorite color was purple. On May 16, 2024, Sister Drayton entered into rest, predeceased by her husband, Reverend Willie A. Drayton, Sr.; grandson, Andre Rivers; her parents, Buck and Georgia Nero; and her eight siblings. Sister Drayton leaves to cherish her memory: her two loving sons, Pastor Sammie L. (Tonya) Drayton, Sr., also retired Deputy Chief of Police of the Rochester Police Department, and Deacon Willie A. (Vicki) Drayton, Jr.; (her sons were by their mother’s side every day during her illness until she transitioned); five grandchildren: Sammie L. (Margaret, current RPD officer) Drayton, Jr., current Commander of the Rochester Police Department, Radiah F. Drayton, Kyra (Shawny) Drayton-Hills, Kyle M. Drayton, and Kendre Preston; four great-grandchildren: Da’nel Drayton, Jasmine (Anthony) McMillon, Yahné Scott “Pudding”, and SaMya Drayton; two great-great grandchildren, Khari Hills and Harley McMillon; four bonus grandchildren: Andrew Hendrie, Joseph Coney, Ontezia Coney, and Shauna Slade; God-daughters, Sister Dolly Williams and Lauryn Minter; former daughter-in-law, Faye (Bill) Towner; former grandson-in-law, Benjamin Scott; special nephew, Lewis Nero; special friend, Mr. Jimmie Vasciannie; special dedicated church traveling friend, Sister Gloria Boose, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and friends. Friends may call Saturday, June 1 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Hope Divine Church Of God, 903 Maple Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow. Interment White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY.