Bernice Gustavia Drayton "Aunt Bern"

Bernice Gustavia Drayton, was born on December 24, 1930 to Wilbert and Fannie Johnson.

Despite being born legally blind, Bernice never let her impaired vision limit her from living life to the fullest and enjoying every blessing along the way. She loved sanging (singing), good food, spending time with family and friends, going to church and most of all – she loved the Lord.

She was educated in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Simon Gratz High School.

As a child, Bernice developed a talent and passion for singing. Her passion for singing flourished into an opportunity to become a professional performer, which she later declined because her parents believed she was too young.

Bernice married Paul Drayton in 1948. Paul, who was a tailer by trade, would often design and sew one-of-a-kind garments for Bernice which birth her love of fashion. Paul died in 1991. Although, Bernice and Paul were not blessed with biological children during their union, she developed many parent-like bonds with the younger people in the community who valued her wisdom and guidance.

Bernice was a factory worker with Amalgamated Clothing and Textiles and other companies until her retirement in 1991. During her tenure with Amalgamated, Bernice met Betty with whom she developed a special mother-daughter like relationship and that bond sustained throughout her life.

Bernice loved the Lord and committed her life to God at a young age. As her faith strengthened and her spiritual connection grew, Bernice took every opportunity to talk about God’s goodness with everyone she met. She honored and praised God through her gift of song, as a member of various church choirs, and most recently, National Temple lead by Pastor Terry Oakman.

Bernice loved her family, church and neighborhood communities, and friends. She was well-respected in the community and a beloved fixture at 16th and York where she resided for over 40 years. She was a community leader and the matriarch of her family. She was intentional with creating and participating in family gatherings and community events. She was instrumental in the development of York Street’s annual Labor Day celebration that brought families and the community together for over 30 years. The annual celebration was the talk of the town and was highly anticipated, as some often joked about fasting ahead of the celebration because of the abundance of

food. Bernice would prepare for the celebration for months. Spending time with the people she loved and those that loved her bought Bernice such joy.

Bernice will reunite with loved ones that preceded her in death - her Mother and Father, Fannie and Wilbert; Husband, Paul; Brother Lester ‘Butch’; Sister, Marie ‘Tootie’; as well as others; and leaves to cherish her memory, Niece – Paula Manigo; Great Nieces - Shamar (Garrin) Fetherson; Sharise (Oliver) Francis, Leslie Evans; Wakia (Jairius) McClendon; Wytreashier Evans; Ieshier Evans; Nephew – Herman Manigo Sr.; a host of Great-Great Nieces and Nephews; Special Friend - Bernard Payton; an extended Church family, Neighbors and Friends who loved and will miss her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice Gustavia Drayton "Aunt Bern", please visit our floral store.