On September 7th, 1942 in Kershaw county, Mr. William Stephen Drakeford was born to the late Annie Mae Drakeford and the late Stephen Beckham. While surrounded by family, he entered into eternal rest on April 23rd, 2022 at home. William was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Salmond Drakeford.
He was known to most in the community as Steve. Steve received his early education in Kershaw County public schools. Steve received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at White Oak Baptist Church. He would then join and become a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church on Flat Rock Rd. and Testimony Ministry Church in Camden, SC, where he faithfully served as a deacon. Steve loved fishing and being with family. He worked for Duke Power, BF Goodrich, Cuddy Farms and last at the Vocational Rehab Center as a bus driver.
In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Ethel Mae Stover, Emma L. Drakeford, and Mrs. Juditha Beckham Sutton (Dee); five brothers, Bennie Drakeford, Lewis Drakeford, Thomas “Sam” Drakeford, John Henry Rutledge and Willie James Drakeford; mother in-law, Blanche Salmond; and father-in-law, James Salmond.
Those left to cherish his precious memories include his wife, Elizabeth Drakeford; two daughters Wendy (Randy) Wood and Judy Drakeford; five sisters, Doretha Drakeford, Mary (Charlie) Hampton, Pastor Betty (Michael) Smith, all of Camden, SC, Bernetha Beckham and Jerusha Logan both of St. Matthew, SC.; four brothers, Roosevelt Drakeford of Camden, Leroy (Joyce) Moses of Columbia, SC,
Stephen Beckham of St. Matthew, SC and Gilmmert Beckham of Starke, Fl; six grandchildren, Anthonette (Kensley) Hammond of Wagner, SC, Tiawan (Hayley) Drakeford of N.C., Untrel (Brianna) Pearson of Spartanburg, SC, Tykisha Williams, Nyisha Williams, Ashella Pearson all of Camden, SC; 11 great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mary Drakeford; a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.