Nila Drafts Ballentine

Born December 6, 1938, in a Farmhouse in Lexington County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Shelton Drafts and Jessie Faye Price Drafts. Nila lived a life of adventure. She accompanied her husband Wayne on his military service around the world, making a home for her family in Japan and England. She traveled to France, Denmark, Ireland, and Canada, picking up friends along the way. Nila also remained engaged stateside, traveling to many parts of the USA with family and friends on Capitol Tours of West Columbia. An avid cake decorator, hostess, and family historian, Nila was a friend to children, animals, and anybody in need. She was an active member of Blue Star Mothers, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Red Hats, Herb Bunch, the Sunshine Group at Green Hill Baptist Church, and Wednesday cards with her cousin Dorthy and friends. She was a proud employee of the SC Secretary of State, and also worked for the Budget and Control Board before ultimately retiring. She was a member of Green Hill Baptist Church.

Surviving are her sister Eleanor D. Foster, of Lexington; sons, Dwayne (Marlene) and Olin Jr. (Rhonda) Ballentine, of Lexington; grandson, Olin "Trey" Ballentine III of North Carolina, and several step-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Nila was preceded in death by her husband Olin Wayne Ballentine, MSgt USAF (Ret); three brothers and two nephews.

Please join the family for a visitation for Nila which will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Caughman Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel, 503 N. Lake Dr, Lexington, South Carolina 29072. A graveside service will occur Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, South Carolina 29072. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Powell.