Mr. John Henry Drakeford

This July 2, 2021 our beloved “Chef” John Henry Drakeford at the age of 86, took his final breath, and passed away to a peaceful sleep surrounded by loved ones at home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a thankful, humble and kind appreciative spirit, our father John up to the end, was “Good Man” a brave man and stayed strong until the end keeping his “Good Name”.

John was born on April 26, 1935 to Rosa Drakeford and Mr. Dalaney in Kershaw County, Camden (Dusty Ben), South Carolina. The sun rose and the world welcomed John, affectively known by some as “Son June”.

John met his wife, Clareatha, in the Big Apple, the city where dreams are made of, New York City and together they forged out a life-long commitment to each other over 60 years. It was absolute unique union, John was Clare’s “Baby”.

John attended Boylan-Haven-Mather Academy, “Mather Academy,” a private African American boarding school in Camden, South Carolina. As a child, John proclaimed that his goal was to become a “Chef” when he grew up. This dream was fulfilled when he at left home at the mere age of 14, traveled to Harlem, where he started his tutelage as a chef at the Stork Club in Harlem, New York. He became a Sous Chef at the Waldorf Astoria, New York City where he worked for over 20 years. In the late 1970”s, he relocated his family to his wife’s hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia where he worked for Colonial Williamsburg Hotels for many years. Finally, his family moved back north to Pleasantville, New Jersey where he worked at newly established and first casino in Atlantic City, the Resorts Hotel/Casino and his life-long journey as a chef came with his retirement from Bally’s Hotel/Casino. That is why he is best known as “Chef John”.

Our father John established a “Good Name” amongst his family, friends and peers. He was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else on the earth, and often expressed his unending love for his family, Roxanne, Denise, Harriet, Nelson, Stephanie, Johndeenean, Johnny, his mother Rosa, and his wife’s mother Pearl; all of his grands, great-grands and great great-grands and above all his wife Clareatha. He always tried his best to support and care for them.

Anyone who knew John knew that he was the most loving father and devoted husband, uncle, cousin and friend a family could ask for in a time need. He John was predeceased by his parents, daughters, Roxanne and Denis, mother-in-love Pearl E. Allen and grandson Nelson R. Drakeford.

He is survived by his wife Clareatha Drakeford and his children Harriet Thornton (Troy); Nelson Drakeford (Zenobia); Stephanie Dunmore; Johndeenean Drakeford and Johnny Drakeford (Raven).

His 17 Grands, 15 Great- Grands and 4 Great Great-Grands.

Tamir and DeeDee was especially caring when it came to the care of their grand-daddy, “Pop-Pop” John in his finally years of his life.

John “A Good Man with a Good Name”, lived a full and warm life, filled with joy, happiness and kindness. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

John will be honored in private celebration of life on July 16, 2021.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”- Proverbs 22:1

“A good name is better than precious ointment.” - Ecclesiastes 7:1

In Loving Memory “Chef” John Henry Drakeford