Jamal Cornell Drayton

The Life Story Of Jamal Cornell Drayton On January 1, 1985, a baby boy was born to Patricia Drayton and the late Cornell Drayton. They named him Jamal Cornell Drayton. Jamal was the 2nd grandson of the late Elmer and Thelma Shockley. Jamal’s paternal grandparents were the late Louise and Thomas Drayton from Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, Jamal has a brother by the name of Ramon Drayton. Jamal grew up loving school and later began his journey in music at a very young age. As early as the 6th grade, his principal, Mr. Gorman Goslee, Principal of Prince Street Elementary School, recognized this gift and encouraged him to continue singing. He sang the song for his elementary 6th grade class graduation which became a great hit. After middle school, Jamal matriculated to Parkside High School and continued his love for music under the leadership of Mrs. Dollie Wright. He not only sang in the school choir, but he also sang in the choir of his church, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, Maryland. After Jamal graduated from Parkside High School, he attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, Maryland, majoring in music. He participated in both the university’s concert choir and gospel choir. He loved to sing and direct the choirs at UMES. The gospel choir, under the direction of Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson and Mr. Fernandez Batson, resulted in him performing on numerous occasions. Her never seemed to tire of any opportunity where he could enjoy music. Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson also utilized Jamal’s talents in her dinner theaters, which she produced each year for UMES. These plays were usually three (3) days in length and resulted in many people coming each year just to enjoy not only the plays, but also the singing abilities of the cast. Additionally, Jamal was under the tutelage of Dr. Sheila Harleston in the UMES concert choir. This gave him the opportunity to visit several countries such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Parisian Germany. Jamal joined Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity Incorporated in the fall of 2004 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As a proud member of the Everlasting Epsilon Chapter, Jamal served as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer during his membership. Jamal was sure to uphold the vision and purpose of the organization and often went out of his way to share the message of Christ in word and in action. It would not be unusual to see Jamal stepping, singing, and speaking around the yard, doing his best to draw people to Christ. Jamal loved the Lord and often sang his praises unto Him. He knew that he was created for such a time as this. He sang and directed the Community Choir with Ms. Bridgette Warren as well. Jamal also started his own gospel group entitled Redeemed. Additionally, he made an everlasting impact at Tabernacle of the Living God Church and New Living Way Church Praise Team. These singers became part of a formidable group before his untimely death. Jamal knew that his time on earth would be short because of his many health problems, but he kept pressing until the end!! What a mighty God we serve who makes no mistakes! I am certain that he is admiring the beautiful voices of the angels in heaven and is singing right along with them. Jamal would want each of you to remain encouraged. We are only on earth for a little while, so make each day count. He leaves to mourn: his mother, Patricia Drayton (Michael Palmer); his brother, Ramon Drayton; aunt and uncle, Denise and Stanley Drayton and many cousins and a host of friends.

Jamal Cornell Drayton

January 1, 1985 - August 6, 2021