Remembering Zyrainna Drayton: South Columbus Basketball & Legacy
Is it possible for a single life to leave an indelible mark on a community, even when cut tragically short? The life of Zyrainna Kiakeylia Drayton, a vibrant 18-year-old senior at South Columbus High School, demonstrably proves it is, leaving behind a legacy of both athletic achievement and cherished personal connections.
In a recent contest against East Columbus, Coach Carlos Tisdale and his Stallions women's basketball team were captured on the court. The photograph, taken by Grant Merritt for the news reporter, featured Zyrainna Drayton, standing proudly, third from the left. Her presence, however, extended far beyond the basketball court; she was a well-loved figure within her community.
Her passing, a profound loss felt deeply by many, has prompted an outpouring of memories and tributes that paint a picture of a young woman full of potential, beloved by her peers, and admired for her dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zyrainna Kiakeylia Drayton |
| Date of Birth | Not available in the provided text, yet her age at the time of passing was 18. |
| Date of Passing | January 14, 2025 |
| Location of Passing | Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Whiteville, NC |
| Residence | 15 Bruce Street, Fair Bluff, NC |
| Education | Senior at South Columbus High School |
| Sport | Varsity Girls Basketball |
| Nickname | "Rain" |
| Academic Achievement | Reported to be an "all A's student" |
| Community Engagement | Active member of the South Columbus High School community |
| Family | Family members, including James C. Drayton, are mentioned in relation to funeral arrangements. |
| Funeral Arrangements | The family will be receiving guests at 370 Rosewood Drive, Loris, SC, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and Friday, February 28, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. James C. Drayton's service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Kingston Lake Business and Education Center, 3410 Church Street, Loris, SC. |
| Other Notable Information | Pender High School varsity girls' basketball team took a moment to honor her. |
| Obituary reference | Legacy.com offers search of Drayton Family obituaries |
| Social Media | Zyrainna Drayton is on Facebook |
| Cause of Death | Not released |
| Reference website | legacy.com |
Zyrainna's involvement in the South Columbus High School's girls' varsity basketball team was a focal point of her high school experience. Teammates, and friends fondly referred to her as "Rain." Beyond the court, she was recognized as an "all A's student", indicating a commitment to academics. The news of her untimely passing sent waves of grief through her community, leading to a poignant moment of remembrance by the Pender High School varsity girls basketball team. This act of solidarity underlines the profound impact Drayton had on those around her, extending even to rivals.
The dates surrounding her passing, along with details of her funeral arrangements, have been shared to facilitate those wishing to pay their respects. The family will receive guests at 370 Rosewood Drive in Loris, South Carolina, on February 27th and 28th, 2025, and the funeral service for James C. Drayton is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Kingston Lake Business and Education Center. These gatherings provide an opportunity for friends, family, and the community to come together in support during this difficult time.
The circumstances surrounding her passing have not been publicly released. However, the respect for her is evident in the tributes shared and the remembrance by the community. While details remain private, her legacy of positivity, achievement, and genuine connection with her peers and community is clearly established.
The outpouring of grief and remembrance extends into the digital realm, with several mentions of Zyrainna Drayton's Facebook profile, encouraging people to connect and share memories. The existence of these social media connections emphasizes the importance of personal connection and shared memories in times of loss. Information on Drayton's high school sports timeline can be found, offering further insight into her life and achievements. The community is encouraged to share news and information.
The context surrounding her passing is juxtaposed with the excitement surrounding the South Columbus MLK women's basketball classic. Furthermore, references to other members of the community who have passed away, such as David Kadeem Hemingway, help to emphasize the collective need for remembrance. The memorialization of Zyrainna Drayton and others is aided by the option to search for obituaries and memorial at legacy.com.
The South Columbus High School's Stallions, under Coach Carlos Tisdale, are working on a full return to the floor in a recent game. The photographic evidence of Drayton at the forefront of the basketball team, highlights her prominence within the program, and her inclusion in the photograph stands as a visual testament to the positive impact she had on her teammates and coaches. The impact she made is further showcased in the score of a game against East Bladen, where Drayton, along with teammates Karys Townsend, and Jakiyah Graham, contributed to the team's efforts.
The tragic loss has also prompted reflections on the wider community, with mentions of individuals who have passed away at earlier times, such as David Kadeem Hemingway, and James Drayton. The community has to face another difficult period, with a clear message on the importance of remembrance.
Amidst the sorrow, the community is reminded of the importance of remembrance and honoring the lives of those who have been lost. The collective efforts to ensure the memory of Zyrainna Kiakeylia Drayton is kept alive serve as a powerful testament to her impact and the lasting impression she leaves on the hearts of those who knew her.
The details related to Zyrainna's passing, including the January 14, 2025 date, are central to the ongoing remembrance. The announcement of her passing at the Columbus Regional Healthcare System, and the plans for the funeral service at the Kingston Lake Business and Education Center in Loris, SC, have been crucial to providing opportunities for the community to come together.
The story of Zyrainna Drayton transcends the confines of a mere news report. It is a narrative of a life lived with passion, ambition, and a deep connection to her community. The tributes, memories, and acts of remembrance that follow her untimely passing paint a picture of a remarkable young woman whose light continues to shine brightly, even in her absence.
