Charleston Remembers Beloved Guidance Counselor Marley S. Drayton

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News Summary

Charleston, South Carolina, mourns the loss of Marley S. Drayton, a dedicated guidance counselor who passed away at 74 after a brave battle with ALS. Her impact on education and the lives of countless students is remembered fondly. Her family, including her husband and children, honors her legacy, as friends gather to celebrate her life.

Charleston Mourns the Loss of Beloved Guidance Counselor Marley S. Drayton

Charleston, South Carolina, is coming together in remembrance of a remarkable woman, Marley S. Drayton, who sadly passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 74. With a battle against ALS that lasted four long years, Marley’s strength and resilience were admirable to all who knew her. She leaves behind a loving husband, children, and cherished memories.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on April 19, 1950, in Lumberton, North Carolina, Marley was the daughter of Bruce B. Stephens and Marley “Specs” Johnson Stephens. Her journey through life was filled with accomplishments and a deep commitment to helping others. Marley graduated from Ashley Hall School in 1968, then went on to earn her degree from Converse College in 1972. Her pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; she continued her education to receive her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1973.

Guiding Future Generations

Marley dedicated 19 years to **_Charleston County_** as a guidance counselor, making a significant impact on countless students’ lives. Her influence extended further when she became affiliated with **_Porter Gaud_** for 25 years until she retired in 2017. Marley’s passion for education and her genuine care for her students were evident to everyone she worked with; she was not just a counselor but a mentor and a friend.

A Love Story

Marley’s personal life was equally beautiful as her professional one. She met the love of her life, Frank B. Drayton, Jr., at a Christmas holiday party in 1975, a chance encounter that sparked a romance. Only a month later, they started dating, and the couple tied the knot on November 27, 1976, in Lumberton, North Carolina. Their 48-year marriage was filled with joy, love, and adventure as they explored the world together.

Adventures and Passions

Marley was not just a dedicated professional and loving wife, but also a person who truly embraced life. She had a passion for walking, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. Her love for adventure took her and Frank to places far and wide, including travels to Canada, Europe, the British Isles, and the serene Caribbean. Each trip was a new adventure, adding to their colorful tapestry of experiences. Marley’s curiosity for the world was mirrored in her enthusiasm for learning and discovering.

A Lasting Legacy

Marley is survived by her devoted husband, Frank, and her two sons, Frank B. Drayton III, who resides in St. Louis, and Thomas M. Drayton, along with his wife Amanda, in Charleston. Her family also includes grandchildren Marley, Frank IV, Thomas Jr., and Joey, all of whom will carry her spirit forward.

Remembering Marley and Honoring Her Legacy

In light of Marley’s passing, the family will hold a visitation for friends and loved ones on January 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel, located at 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401. There’s no doubt that many will gather to share stories and celebrate her life.

Additionally, a **_Celebration of Life Service_** is scheduled for the Spring of 2025, allowing for a grand tribute to a life that touched so many. For those wishing to honor Marley’s legacy, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Association for The Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVISC) or to the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, both meaningful causes that would make Marley proud.

As Charleston reflects on Marley’s extraordinary life, the impact of her warmth, kindness, and dedication will indeed live on in the hearts of many. Marley S. Drayton was not just a guidance counselor – she was a guiding light.