Obituary of Dawn Drakeford

Dawn was born in Plainfield, New Jersey to Clifford E. Drakeford and Jacqueline Robinson Drakeford on August 9, 1977, exactly one day after their first wedding anniversary. From the time she was a child, Dawn exhibited a strong love for and commitment to family, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning. She also took very seriously her loyalty to friends, her unwavering honesty, her sincere concern for those less fortunate and her strong faith in the Lord. She was truly exceptional in every way. Dawn was educated at and graduated with honors in 1995 from Timothy Christian School in Edison, NJ. From there she traveled to Alabama where she attended Oakwood University. She majored in Biochemistry and her family and friends beamed with pride and happiness when she graduated cum laude in 1999. Upon graduation, she moved to Atlanta, GA where she was highly sought after and aggressively recruited by several industries. She ultimately accepted a position in the pharmaceutical industry and continued to reside in Atlanta when she gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Jacqueline Alexus Thomas Drakeford in December 2002. Shortly thereafter, at the urging of her parents and other family members, she moved back to Plainfield, New Jersey to be closer to her family. Once again, Dawn quickly found employment in the pharmaceutical industry and at the time of her transition, she had been employed by Pfizer for approximately 10 years. She was firmly established as a high performer with strong leadership skills and she was also a highly valued team player. As a person, Dawn was beautiful inside and out - a true role model. She was thoughtful, compassionate, loving, giving, forgiving, loyal & faithful. She had an exquisite sense of style and a passion for fashion which many admired and imitated. She was also an outstanding chef capable of preparing delectably delicious meals. As a mother, she was completely dedicated and committed to ensuring that her daughter was raised with love, a strong emphasis on education, proper values, manners and behaviors. Jacqueline was her heart and she loved her completely and unconditionally. Left to cherish her loving memories and celebrate her life are her daughter, Jacqueline A. Thomas Drakeford, parents, Clifford & Jacqueline Drakeford; sister, Deena Peace (Reginald); nephews, Jordan, Justin & Jaden Peace; lifelong best friend, Darria Daly Grandberry, college sisters Hopefull, Jeanelle & Princess and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield. Funeral services will begin with a prayer on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:00AM at the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to gather beginning at 10:00AM Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains.