Clifford Eugene Drakeford

Clifford Eugene Drakeford was born on December 12, 1948 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Lillie Warnick Graham and Irving Lorenzo Drakeford. He departed this life on April 5, 2023 in Roswell, Georgia.

Clifford began his educational journey in the Jersey City school system. He exceled in athletics and played Pop Warner football. He spent summers horseback riding at stables in Northwestern NJ with his brother Steve. He attended high school at Pine Forge Academy (PFA) in Pine Forge, PA. While at PFA he lived in North Hall and was responsible for maintaining the farm and school properties. He worked during the summers at Pine Forge. It is at PFA that he built friendships that would last throughout his lifetime. After graduation in 1967, he went on to attend Pace University in New York where he received a BBA and MBA in Finance. Upon completing his degree, he became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Early in his career, he worked Ortho Pharmaceuticals in Raritan NJ, RCA in New York and Sel-Rex in Nutley, NJ in Finance. Later in his career he held multiple positions as a Senior Analyst in the telecommunications industry including AT&T and Lucent Technologies. He had an impeccable work ethic that demonstrated professionalism and integrity. In these positions he interacted with people worldwide.

While employed at Ortho Pharmaceuticals he met the late Jacqueline “Jackie” Robinson, the love of his life. They realized they had a strong bond that lasted a lifetime. On August 8, 1976, Cliff and Jackie were joined in holy matrimony. They both shared a passion for family and traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally. Through this union they raised two of the greatest joys of their lives, daughters: Deena Lynn and Dawn Nicole. Cliff was a kind, helpful, loving and a very giving man, a loyal friend and devoted husband and father. He made it a priority to be a protector and provider for his family.

Cliff loved water sports including swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. He enjoyed roller skating. He loved any and all types of cake. Cliff never met a cake he didn’t like. He called cake the “Breakfast of Champions.” Cliff valued spending quality time with family and friends celebrating most holidays and family events at their home in Plainfield, NJ. He looked forward to dining with the weekly Sabbath dinner “crew” and spending time with his AT&T posse, especially football tailgating and hosting the annual Super Bowl party. Upon his retirement he relocated to Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Cliff and Jackie did everything together. They were the blueprint for love honoring their vows for 45 years until the time of her death in February 2022. Through, it all, he continued to remain humble, his faith remained steadfast and anchored in the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jackie and daughter Dawn Drakeford.

A visitation for Clifford will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. A committal service will occur Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 3:30 PM at North Atlanta Memorial Park, 5188 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, GA 30360.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Drakeford family.