“When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love each have shown
But now it is time I traveled on alone
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart
I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear
Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home.”

Rodney Quintel Drayton, affectionately known as “Rock,” was born on Aug. 16, 1964 to Connie Davis Drayton and the late Robert Drayton Sr. A native of Suffolk, he was a 1983 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. Upon his time of death, he was employed by Norfolk Naval Base for 27 years.
He was a lifetime and devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He served diligently and faithfully. He was a member of the OGBC Male Choir, and also served as Dr. Copeland’s armor bearer. When he wasn’t worshipping at OGBC, he fellowshipped with New Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ where he was a member of the male choir and served as Supt. Goodman’s armor bearer.
He enjoyed spending time with his family. His hobbies included playing basketball, baseball, horseshoe, and fishing.
On the morning of Tuesday, May 18, 2010 God called home our beloved “Rock” and reunited him with his loved ones that passed on before him: his father, Robert Drayton Sr.; sister, Vicki Drayton; and grandmother, Beatrice Ford.
Left behind to cherish his beautiful memory and to celebrate his life are his devoted wife, Patrena Drayton; beloved mother, Connie Drayton; two stepchildren, Darryl Newsome (Allison) and Lexus Newsome; three special children, Quashawn, Marquail and Quelisha; grandson, Jaden; goddaughter, Jade; six brothers, Darryl Davis, Kevin Drayton (Cheryl), Eugene Boone (Amy), Jonathan Saunders (Neicy), Robert Drayton Jr. (Cynthia) and Andre Drayton Sr. (Ebony); three sisters, Lisa Allmond (Dwayne), Mechelle Drayton and Andria Hicks (Fred); father-in-law, George Lee Goodman Sr.; mother-in-law, Teresa Goodman; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
Mr. Drayton will be on view from noon to 7 p.m., and the family will receive visitors from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 23 at the funeral home. A home going celebration will be held on Monday, May 24 at noon at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries, and he will be laid to rest in the T.E. Cooke-Overton Garden of Carver Memorial Cemetery. The family will assemble at 116 Robertson St. at 11 a.m. Monday for the procession to the church.
Professional funeral arrangements are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home, Inc.