THELMA "T.C." DRAYTON (March 10, 1947 - July 3, 2000)

Thelma Drayton was born into a close-knit family in an Eastside neighborhood and raised in the heart of that community on Henrietta, Meeting, South, Amherst and Blake Streets. She went to Buist and Columbus Street Elementary Schools and Rhett Middle School. T.C. graduated from C.A. Brown High School in 1965. Her father, Mack Drayton, was a retired brick mason. Her late mother, Emma did domestic work.

During her illustrious life, T.C. Drayton has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations. She has set an example for many. During her final newspaper interview, T.C. stated, "It's time for young-er people to stand up" ...it's time for more T.C. Drayton's to be raised up in our community."

In her honor, Agape Ministries of Charleston has established C.O.A.T. (The Older Americans Task Force). This organization will serve the social, civic, economic, and material needs of older Americans residing in Charleston County.

T.C. ended a June 23, 1985 newspaper article, by expressing this thought, "Boy, when I die, I now there's going to be a lot of people at my funeral" as she smiled that wonderful T.C. Drayton smile.

We are going to miss your honesty, integrity and advocacy on behalf
of the unfortunate of this community. The T.C. Drayton Wall of Hope Walk of Love represents in perpetuity, her work.