Dr. Joseph Alvin Drayton

Dr. Joseph Alvin Drayton was born on May 24, 1941, to Eugene Drayton and Imogene Jackson Drayton in Longview, Texas. Joseph grew up in his grandparent’s home with his mother, aunts and uncles who were more like his siblings. The family later moved to Tyler, Texas.   Joseph was christened at Pleasant Hill CME Church by his grandfather, the late Rev. John Albert Jackson. He was later baptized at St. James CME Church. It was then that he became involved in the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYE), served as a Youth and Young Adult Director and represented the church at District and Annual Conferences.    Joseph began his formal education in Tyler, Texas where he graduated from Emmit Scott High School in 1959. Committed to making his mark as the sixth member of the Jackson clan to receive a degree from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), he went on to attend Texas College.  It was there that he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, eventually becoming a life member while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He continued his education at Texas Southern University and earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).   Dr. Drayton enjoyed a distinguished career as an educator. He served in many capacities including public school teacher, School Administrator, Project Director, Assistant Superintendent and District Superintendent. He also served as field services supervisor for university students. His professional career began initially in Galena Park ISD, but he later transitioned to Houston ISD where he spent the majority of his career.   Dr. Drayton was a Past President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NAABSE) and a founding member and Past President of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE). Locally, he enjoyed affiliation with the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE).  Joseph received many awards during his lifetime including NAABSE’s most prestigious award, the President’s Award, HAABSE’s Living Legend Award, the George T. Nelson Harris County Council of Organizations Lifetime Achievement Award for Education, TAABSE’s Appreciation of Dedication Award and the Boy Scout’s Silver Beaver Award.   Joseph was extremely proud and thankful for his only son, Marcus Keith Drayton and granddaughter, Christine Marie Drayton. He loved spending time with them and looked forward to hearing about life in Minnesota, their accomplishments, and plans for the future.  He anticipated his visit to Roseville, Minnesota for Christine’s graduation in the spring of 2018.   Joseph married the love of his life, Beverly Cashaw-Drayton. They spent lots of time traveling and looked forward to attending family reunions every year. Joseph’s love for family was immeasurable…the Draytons, Jacksons, Cashaws and Joneses. Joseph spent his latter years researching his family tree in an effort to better understand his lineage. Joseph was never a stranger to anyone he met…always probing and engaging those he came in contact with.   Joseph was a member of Metropolitan CME Church in Houston and was actively involved in supporting its mission and vision. He loved his pastor and church family and enjoyed each opportunity to fellowship with them.    Joseph was an advocate for organ donation. During the early years after his heart transplant, he accepted many speaking engagements in an effort to tell his story and encourage others to become organ donors. A heart transplant added 20 years to his life—years that he never took for granted. At the end of life, it was his request that his organs be donated to LifeGift.   God transitioned Joseph from time to eternity on July 11th. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Beverly-Cashaw Drayton; son, Marcus Keith Drayton and granddaughter Christine Marie Drayton of Roseville, MN; brothers Wallace Drayton (Lorraine) of Bellevue, WA and Ronald Drayton of Seattle, WA; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.