Carole L. Drayton

October 12, 1940 – September 15, 2025
Carole Linda (Yelverton) Drayton, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend,
entered into eternal rest on September 15, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on October 12, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Carole was the daughter of the late
Philemon Yelverton, Sr. and Sadie Yelverton. She graduated with the Class of June 1958
from Overbrook High School.
At a young age, Carole married the love of her life, the late William “Drayton” Drayton. Their
marriage was a true partnership, filled with devotion and joy, lasting many decades until
Drayton’s passing on February 17, 2013. Together, they raised two sons, Michael A.
Drayton, who preceded her in death in 2011, and Byron A. Drayton, Sr. Carole’s heart and
home were always centered on faith, family, and community.
Carole dedicated many years of service as a staff member of Wills Eye Institute, where she
worked faithfully until retirement. Afterward, she and Drayton delighted in spending every
moment together, enjoying the blessings of family and the comfort of one another’s
presence.
A devoted woman of faith, Carole joined Salem Baptist Church of Abington in 1976. Over
nearly five decades, she gave tirelessly of her time and talents, serving as a Deaconess, a
member of the Youth Scholarship Committee, the Fashion Show Committee, and the
ministry to the sick and shut-in. She stood ready wherever needed, embodying the spirit of
Christian service. She and her husband, Drayton, were known as dutiful servants to the Lord
and to Salem; many fondly remember Drayton’s unwavering commitment to cleaning the
church weekly, with excellence and without compensation.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Philemon Yelverton, Sr. and Sadie Yelverton,
and her siblings Philemon Yelverton, Jr., Kenneth Yelverton, Faye Yelverton, and Arlene
Muldrow.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Byron A. Drayton, Sr., and his wife, Mrs.
Ala Drayton (Dr. Ala Stanford); her adoring grandchildren, Byron A. Drayton, Jr., Myles W.
Drayton, Maya S. Drayton, Ellison M. Frey, Langston C. Frey, and Robeson L. Frey; her
sisters, Lisa Anderson and Gwendolyn Yelverton; her sister-in-law, Janice Reid; and a host of
nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and many beloved friends.
Carole will be remembered for her love of family, her steadfast faith, and her servant’s
heart. She always reached out with an open hand—offering advice, resources, comfort, or

simply her presence. What we will remember most was her radiant smile, her sense of
humor, and her quick wit. To know Carole was to feel uplifted, strengthened, and loved.
In addition to flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Salem Baptist Church of
Abington to establish a scholarship in her name, continuing her legacy of service and
support for future generations.
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond measure and will be
missed deeply.
https://www.pagefuneralhomephiladelphia.com/obituary/Carole-Drayton

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