Aunt Eleanor Wade Goins . . . In Loving Memory

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Posted by Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen in Poetry

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Aunt Eleanor, compassionate, evangelist, fruit of the Holy Spirit, godly woman, in loving memory, one of 12 children, prayer warrior, preacher, soft-spoken, sweet, tribute, visionary, Yeshua-like

But the fruit of the Ruach is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Ruach, let us also walk by the Ruach. Let us not become conceited—provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:22-26, TLV

It has been years since I last saw Aunt Eleanor, which was on January 20, 2007. She was back in Wilkes-Barre on that day to say her final goodbyes to a sister who helped raise her – my Mom, Lucille Wade-Drayton.

The last thing I heard my Mom say about Aunt Eleanor was how powerfully she prayed for Mom. This prayer happened some weeks before Mom died peacefully in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. So, what stands out the most when I think about my Aunt Eleanor, is that she was an evangelist, a pulpit preacher, and a prayer warrior.

She also was very sweet and soft-spoken, and these two things I realized about her when I saw her on January 13, 2007. While I was sitting in Mount Zion Church’s multipurpose room – where the family had gathered before my Mom’s homegoing service started – Aunt Eleanor came close to me, commented on how much I looked like my Mom, told me she had heard some great things about me during her frequent talks with my Mom, told me how sorry she was about my loss, and gave me a big hug and a sweet kiss on my right cheek.

Most of what I know about my Aunt Eleanor I learned from my Mom because my aunt lived in Chicago while I was growing up in Wilkes-Barre, so I rarely saw her. Nevertheless, I do have some things that I liked the most about her because they are things we have in common.

The first thing I like about Aunt Eleanor is how deeply she loved YeHoVaH. As I already mentioned, she was a preacher and an evangelist; however, what I recently learned is that she preached the Gospel of Yeshua every 4th Sunday, and she evangelized on the streets wherever she went, up until the end of her life. That information inspired me, as I am a preacher and evangelist, too.

Like me, Aunt Eleanor also experienced the loss of a child. She lost her son, Franky, in 2013, and I lost my son, Ade, in 2017. But what is most important is that none of her losses kept her from doing what YeHoVaH called her to do. It is my prayer that someone one day will say the same thing about me.

“Godly Woman” is the poem that I have dedicated to my Aunt Eleanor who was a godly woman. I finished writing this poem just a few minutes before I posted it here. This poem is my tribute to an aunt I rarely saw or spoke to, yet I know more about her than I know about my aunts I did see and did talk with more. The poem I wrote is as follows:

            Godly Woman
 
 
Some people you can know for years,
Yet not know the real them;
Other people you can know of but never
Spend much time with them,
Yet know their spirits and their souls.
 
Aunt Eleanor is an old soul who displayed
Wisdom and special talents in her youth;
Her sage-like qualities put her in a world
Of her own – peerless vision mom noticed
About her when she was just a teenager,
Exhibiting a special talent – an empathetic
Flair to connect with people – spirituality
Too hard to ignore, as was her giving gift.
 
She consoled others even when she hurt,
She lifted her head and walked in turmoil;
She spoke constant words of wisdom – not
Malice, or envy, or gossip, or resentment;
She rejoiced in YeHoVaH with a grateful
Spirit and joyful one that inspired women
Like me – her niece – who saw in my aunt
Strength to carry others’ burdens, courage
To take the fall for someone else’s misdeeds,
Love to pray powerfully and compassionately
For others with heavy-laden heart, gentleness
To admire other women and compliment them
Genuinely, humility to admit she was wrong or
Admit she needs help, peace to help her endure
Evil words and actions from haters, kindness
To be friendly and considerate to everyone,
Faithfulness to be generous enough to bless
Others with the things she needs, patience
To wait on YeHoVaH’s Promises, joyfulness
To praise and worship YeHoVaH in times of
Trouble and comfort, and self-control to love
Her enemies and her neighbors as she loved
Herself – and to serve others.
 
Aunt Eleanor’s life typifies that godliness that’s in
People who are so full of The Spirit’s Fruit, Power,
Authority they’re  able to spiritually and faithfully
Walk on water, raise the dead, and feed thousands.
 
-      Composed September 1, 2020

Rest In Peace, Aunt Eleanor!

Lastly, the funeral services for my aunt, Eleanor Wade Goins, will be next Friday, September 11th, at Taylor Funeral Home located at 63 E. 79th Street in Chicago, IL 60619. The wake is at 11am, and the homegoing service is at 12 noon.

In Loving Memory of E-man (My Cousin, Ellery)

26 Saturday Aug 2017

Posted by Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen in Tribute

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August, bubbly personality, cousin, death, Divine Plan, E-Man, eternal life, eternal spirit, grief, Heaven, in loving memory, loss, obituary, relative, rest in peace, sad, salvation, sleeping, smiles, Son, tearful, upset souls, Wade family

Ellery Lamont Wade

Yeshua said to her, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life! Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die. Do you believe this?” ~ John 11:25-26, CJB

Just as human beings have to die once, but after this comes judgment, so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for him. ~ Hebrews 9:27-28, CJB

August hasn’t been a very kind month. Over the years, I’ve lost several loved ones in the month of August. Case in point, where my extended family is concerned, in less than a year I lost two members of the Wade family. On August 25, 2016, I lost my Uncle Jesse. On August 24, 2017, I lost my cousin—Uncle Jesse’s son, Ellery.

I can’t begin to imagine how Ellery’s death has hit the Wade family, especially my Aunt Edna. My heart bleeds for her, because she not only has lost her husband but also she has lost another child.

What I remember the most about Ellery is that he had a bubbly personality, which no doubt helped him gain his many friends. Indeed, when I think about it, I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t smiling.

One of my most vivid memories of Ellery was the time when he and Eugene visited with me and my family while we were living in Hampton, VA. Maynard and I were stationed at Langley AFB, and Eugene and Ellery were stationed at Fort Eustis. We all had a fabulous weekend reminiscing our childhoods.

Even though I saw Ellery very often, when we were growing up, I was closer in age to his oldest sister and his two older brothers. In fact, his oldest sister and I were more like sisters than cousins. Similarly, because Ellery and my younger brother Eugene’s ages were close, this truth must be why they were more like brothers than cousins.

There is no doubt that Ellery will be greatly missed by all his family members and friends. Rest in peace E-man, as you often were fondly called.

The following is my poetic tribute to E-man:

So glad there are no tears
In Heaven—no pain there, either
Only smiles and beaucoup
Laughter where you’re at,
So you’ll fit in just fine.

You’re where you belong
This truth keeps us strong
Enough to deal with your
Loss, even though we’re
Weepy and melancholy
We know our tears are just
Temporary—a freeing of
Our pain and sorrow,
But on the morrow,
When our joy comes,
We’ll fully understand
How taking you fits into
Our Father’s Divine Plan,
Who surely one day will
Let us see you again.

– composed August 26, 2017

~ from Citizen’s Voice

Obituary (UPDATED)

Ellery Lamont Wade

“Ellery Lamont Wade, 62, a resident of Boulevard Townhomes, Wilkes-Barre, entered into glory Thursday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2017, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a lingering illness.

Born Feb. 2, 1955, in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of 10 children to Mrs. Edna V. Gleaves Wade of Wilkes-Barre and the late Mr. Jesse Wade Jr.

Educated in the city schools, Mr. Wade was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

He was a baptized member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Wilkes-Barre.

Following his formal education, Mr. Wade proudly served our country during the Vietnam era with the U.S. Army.

Until his retirement, Mr. Wade was self-employed as a carpenter locally in construction, and enjoyed woodworking. He later was employed by the Cin-Ram Corp. of Pittston and by the Lord and Taylor Distribution Center in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

In addition to his father, who passed away Aug. 25 of last year, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jesse III, in 1976; by a sister, Darnel Palmer, in 2002; a brother-in-law, Anthony Dawkins, in 1993; and several aunts and uncles.

Left to mourn his passing are his beloved mother, Mrs. Edna V. Wade; his son, Eric, and grandson, Xavier Lucian Wade, Wilkes-Barre; brothers and sisters, including Malachi and his wife Peggy, Norman and his wife, Susan, Jeffrey, Rosalyn, Cynthia, Elvira and Doreese Wade, all of Wilkes-Barre; brother-in-law, Fred Palmer, Florida; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Homegoing services for Mr. Wade will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Mount Zion Baptist Church, 105 Hill St., Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. Michael E. Brewster, pastor, will serve as celebrant.

Interment with prayers of committal will follow in the family lot in Denison Cemetery, Denison Avenue, Swoyersville.

Relatives and friends may join the Wade family for visitation and remembrances from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday directly at the church.

The Wilkes-Barre Heights location of John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. are honored to care for Mr. Wade and his family at this time.

To send his mother and family words of comfort, support, to light a virtual candle in Ellery’s memory or for information, please visit our family’s website atwww.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

Funeral arrangements will be from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 E. Northampton St.

Funeral Home
John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc.
281 E Northampton St.
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
570-823-2754”

For My Son, Olumuyiwa Ade Keen . . . In Loving Memory

03 Wednesday May 2017

Posted by Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen in Tribute

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blessing, child, death, died, gift from God, gifted, good-natured, grieve, homegoing, in loving memory, infectious smile, loss, oldest son, outlive, parents, pearly whites, rejoice, rest in peace, Son, talented, until we meet again

David prayed desperately to God for the little boy. He fasted, wouldn’t go out, and slept on the floor. The elders in his family came in and tried to get him off the floor, but he wouldn’t budge. Nor could they get him to eat anything. On the seventh day the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him. They said, “What do we do now? While the child was living he wouldn’t listen to a word we said. Now, with the child dead, if we speak to him there’s no telling what he’ll do.”

. . .

David got up from the floor, washed his face and combed his hair, put on a fresh change of clothes, then went into the sanctuary and worshiped. Then he came home and asked for something to eat. They set it before him and he ate.

His servants asked him, “What’s going on with you? While the child was alive you fasted and wept and stayed up all night. Now that he’s dead, you get up and eat.”

“While the child was alive,” he said, “I fasted and wept, thinking God might have mercy on me and the child would live. But now that he’s dead, why fast? Can I bring him back now? I can go to him, but he can’t come to me.” ~ 2 Samuel 12:16-18, 20-23, MSG

He just turned forty-five on Sunday, April 30^th. On Tuesday evening, he was gone. In less than 48 hours, I experienced the most extraordinary loss that a parent would ever face—the death of a child.

My oldest son, Olumuyiwa Ade Keen, is with the Lord now, and while I know he is in a much better place, losing him is the most traumatic experience I have ever had to encounter. Needless to say, I am definitely one of those parents who truly believes that parents should never outlive their children. However, as I was reminded earlier Tuesday evening, God makes no mistakes.

It was time for my son to go home and be with the Lord. Even though his diabetes claimed his life this evening, I rejoice in knowing that my God is not done with my son. Thank You, Jesus, for Your Gift of eternal life.

Ade, I will always remember that sweetest and most infectious smile of yours—when you were flashing your pearly whites. Additionally, every time I look at one of your three sons or your only grandson, I will always be reminded of how you were a loving dad and granddaddy. I also will always be reminded of how you were such a good-natured person. Lastly, whenever I am listening to a song that I know you would love to sample, I will always remember how talented and gifted you were as a lyricist and rapper.

Your dad, Maynard, and I are grieving right now, and we probably will be grieving for a while. Nevertheless, as we told you so many times in your life, Father God richly blessed us when He gave us you. That is why, even in our current sadness we can rejoice over your homegoing, for we know one day we will come to you and be with you eternally. For now, we are glad that we told you and showed you countless times just how much we love you.

We—your brother (Tarik), your sons (DaShede, Darius, and Rayshen), your grandson (Kayden), your dad (Maynard), and I (your mom, Nadine)—will love you forever, Ade. We also will miss you dearly.

Here is the latest poem—a haiku—that I wrote Sunday for Ade’s 45^th birthday:

No matter how old
My child you’ll forever be –
Life’s greatest blessing.

OLUMUYIWA ADE KEEN (April 30, 1972 – May 2, 2017)

Rest in peace, my son . . . until we meet again.

The obituary for my son, Olumuyiwa, which follows his homegoing services’ program, is posted in the Martinsville Bulletin.

Ade's Funeral Program

KEEN

Olumuyiwa Ade

Olumuyiwa Ade Keen, 45, of Martinsville, Va., passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. He had been in declining health for the last several months. He was born to Maynard and Nadine Keen on April 30, 1972, in Spokane, Washington.

Mr. Keen lived at Laurel Park community in Martinsville, Va. most of his life, and he graduated from Laurel Park High School, class of 1990. He was a disabled United States Navy veteran. His hobby was writing and mixing music, and he was affectionately nicknamed “Puzzles,” “Telecommunications,” and “Schematics. He grew up a member of Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Axton, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Helen W. Keen; and his maternal grandparents, Clarence and Lucille W. Drayton.

He is survived by his three sons, DaShede and Darius Keen of Norfolk, Va., Rayshen Robertson of Axton, Va.; parents, Maynard Keen (Sandra) of Greensboro, N.C. and Nadine Drayton-Keen of Glendale, Az.; grandson, Kayden Ade Keen of Norfolk, Va,; brother, Tarik Keen (Kimberly) of Glendale, Az.; and paternal grandfather, Wash Keen of Axton, Virginia, along with a legion of cousins; aunts; uncles; and friends.

The family will meet at the church Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m. and will receive friends at the church starting at 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Axton, Virginia with Dr. Thurman O. Echols Jr. Interment will follow in the Keen family cemetery in Axton, Virginia.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home at 301 Fayette Street, Martinsville, Virginia 24112.

Just Sleeping: Only Believe

Nothing in life happens by chance
Neither by accident nor happenstance;
The Fates can’t override providence
Or replace it with inevitable dominance.

Destiny may be written on some stars
But only Creator knows how long ours
Has until we are snuffed like a candle—
On the fade to black shut-eye channel.

Death brags with no reason to be proud
For he claims no life God hasn’t allowed;
Sorrows touch humans for many reasons
But He who changes times and seasons
Raises the sleeping; changes bad to good,
And upgrades His aggrieved to sainthood.

The saints who still move and still breathe
Must exercise the faith needed to believe
They’ll see their gone-home family again
Healed from all misery, illness, and pain.

~ by Nadine Drayton-Keen

Composed May 5, 2017, for my son’s homegoing services’ program

In Loving Memory of Clarence

19 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen in Tribute

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absent from the body, beloved oldest brother, comforting, greatly missed, home with the Lord, in loving memory, rejoice, rest in peace, smile, tribute

So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; for we live by trust, not by what we see. We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, CJB

The following tribute is to my brother, Clarence William Drayton, Jr., who went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2013, some six years after our Mom who, on January 13, 2007, experienced being absent from the body and present with the Lord. Our Dad went home to be with the Lord on March 7, 1996.

I can shed tears because you are gone, or I can smile because you have lived. I choose to smile and rejoice over the life you lived, because you filled my heart with much love and joy.

You were a wonderful son, and you were my amazing oldest brother—the best brother ever! Additionally, you were a terrific father. I am eternally grateful to God for blessing my life with yours. For sure, your presence has enriched my life; indeed, your presence has enriched the lives of every one of our family members.

You were a true Renaissance man. You also were a true friend to your friends. Then too, you were the life of every party. However, what is most important to me is that you were a loving and kind Christian man—one of the most helpful and caring souls I know.

Even though there is an emptiness caused by your absence, I console myself with the joy of knowing that you left us for that utmost beautiful and best place—God’s Heaven. I also console myself with the joy of knowing that you now are where there is endless peace and everlasting love. Moreover, it is extremely comforting to me just to know that you no longer suffer from the pain and sickness which took over your body.

Dearest Clarence, although I know that I will see you again, I want you to know that you always will be remembered. I never will forget your warm smile, your infectious laughter, your timeless wisdom, your remarkable intelligence, your notable ingenuity, your tender compassion, your encouraging kindness, your giving spirit, and your sensible attitude. For these and other reasons, you will be greatly missed by me, and no doubt greatly missed by everyone who has ever known you!!

Rest in Peace, Clarence . . .

Your sister, Nadine

The full obituary:

Name:
Clarence W. Drayton, Jr.

Dates:
Birth date: February 14, 1948
Death date: January 18, 2013

Obituary:

PALMETTO FLORIDA-Clarence W. Drayton Jr. 64, of Palmetto, FL, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Jan. 18, 2013 at Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, FL.

He was born on February 14, 1948 in Eden, NC, a son of the late Clarence W. and Geraldine Drayton. He was a graduate of LCCC for Computer Technology. He was formerly employed by PC Doctors and Clearbrook Inc. where he designed their websites. He was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 18 years.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandfather Henry Drayton; his sister Hazel Drayton; uncles Douglas Drayton and Lorenzo Drayton; grandmother Clara Hampton-Drayton; grandson Austin Drayton and step mother Lucille Wade-Drayton.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lynn Carter-Farmer, Wilkes-Barre; Christine Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; Estelle Morris, Plains; Clarence W. Drayton III and his wife Amy Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; his wife Mary Drayton, Edwardsville; long time companion Sandy McCartney, FL; sisters Nadine Drayton-Keen, AZ; Vanessa Johnson and her husband Terry Johnson, Wilkes-Barre; brothers Richard Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; Eugene Drayton, Wilkes-Barre; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; God Daughter Kerry Bassett, Wilkes-Barre; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4pm on Saturday February 16, 2013 at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home Inc. 456 S. Main Street. Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call 3-4pm.
Visitation:
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc. (Wilkes-Barre) 465 South Main Street Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
Service:
3:00 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc. (Wilkes-Barre) 465 South Main Street Wilkes-Barre PA 18701