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LaKeasha Draft Obituary

LaKeasha Rutledge Draft

Anderson

LaKeasha Rutledge Draft, 38, of Atlanta Ga., departed this life on December 27, 2011 at her home.

She was born in Anderson County, South Carolina to Tommy and Alice Gail Rutledge. She was a courageous and inspirational woman.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and loving husband, Chris Draft.

Services are 1:00 pm Saturday, December 31, 2011, at Calvary Baptist Church, Williamston SC. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.

THE UNITY MORTUARY of Anderson SC is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Greenville News on Dec. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Jim Delerenzo

December 25, 2024

God bless her I never knew you but my heart was heavy when I saw that you passed god bless

CRAIG MICHAEL CARRIERI

December 24, 2024

Dear LaKeasha,
We never knew each other but I saw a video of your marriage to Christ Draft and it deeply touched my heart. I cannot believe how many years ago it is now and I still think about you at this time of year. You are very much missed I'm sure. R.I.P. my special angel and know you are greatly loved.
With love,
Craig Michael Carrieri
New York City

Tena Wheat Crump

December 24, 2024

Grief can be so complicated, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering your loved one today and always.

Craig Michael Carrieri

December 24, 2023

Dear LaKeasha,
Time goes by quickly but I still think of you often. You are an angel in heaven and you will never be forgotten. Merry Christmas my sweet angel! Love Craig Michael Carrieri, New York, NY.

Lynda Rogers

December 26, 2022

LaKeasha, I still remember the day I saw the beautiful film of you marrying the love of your life. It was truly an inspiration and I will never forget it. May the God of all the universe continue to keep you wrapped in his arms in heaven. Rest well beautiful lady, you are truly missed by all.

CRAIG MICHAEL CARRIERI

December 26, 2022

CRAIG MICHAEL CARRIERI

December 26, 2022

It is Christmas time again and that always brings memories of the day I somehow saw a film of you Chris dancing at your beautiful wedding. It touched my heartstrings more than you will ever know. You were so delicate and lovely like a butterfly ... and the way Chris held you so tight to his heart was just glorious. The same day that I saw the wedding film i copied a picture of you and put it in a small frame on my desk in my art studio so I could see it every day since you passed to the heavens. It makes me cry and it makes me appreciate the life I have. You will never be forgotten by me. That photograph will travel with me wherever I end up as I'm now getting older and my life is changing and getting fragile. You touched my heart the first time I saw you and you still touch my heart. You have now been a heavenly angel for so many others that followed you since you flew to heaven. I know you are doing your work making them feel the love. You will not be forgotten my sweet LaKeasha Rutledge Draft. R.I.P.
I also at this time want to remember Chris Draft for being very much the man we other look up to in tough times. You are my hero. Thank you for sweetening LaKeasha's life while you were able to. I pray life has treated you well in all these years. Happy Holidays to you and a very Happy and Healthy New Year 2023.
Craig Michael Carrieri
A New York Artist

Jr delorenzo

December 24, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Craig Michael Carrieri - NYC

December 24, 2021

Dear LeKeasha,
Time has passed but you are never forgotten. You left a mark on my life when I saw you dancing and smiling at your beautiful wedding. Merry Christmas my angel!
You have been greatly missed for many years.
With all my warmth, caring and love,
Craig Michael Carrieri
New York City
12.24.2021

KQren

December 24, 2021

When I ran across her story all those years back, I was so hopeful for a full recovery! Then seeing the wedding, I knew time was winding down! She is truly the definition of a fighter and in the end, she won her battle with cancer with dignity and grace! I go back to the wedding video to see her on the dance floor! Chris & family, you´ve represented her with pride!

Sandria Elrod-Iqbal

September 29, 2021

Keasha,
To your lovely spirit and loved ones who cherish the memories of you each day... I think about you very often. Although, we were not close, we had a connection. I fondly remember your youthful spirit, contagious energy, love of fun/family/ friends, high level of intelligence, and loyal commitment to the art of dance. We used to be neighbors, co-cheerleaders, coworkers at the Anderson Jockey Lot (that was fun), and both Clemson University graduates. When I was ten and you were nine, you corrected me on the accurate pronunciation of the word `mine´. I´ll never forget that, being so thankful that you taught me that `mines´ was not the correct pronunciation. Every time I say that word, I think of you. I admired your bravery, confidence, and zest for life. You are very missed, and never forgotten. May God forever bless you and your family.
Most sincerely,
~Sandria

December 28, 2020

RIP Lakeasha

Marie Young

December 28, 2020

A Beautiful Soul Is Never Forgotten.
Rest In Peace.

Crystal Bruce

December 24, 2019

Truly missed by so many..

Kathy White Robinson

April 13, 2019

RIP Beautiful

Jeannette Hilliard

April 13, 2019

SIP

April 12, 2019

RIP Lakeasha

January 22, 2019

Lakeasha,

Miss your smile.

Rest In Peace

March 30, 2018

Just sitting here thinking about Lakeasha. I don't know you but I feel like I do since I followed you during your journey. RIP lady

Eric Lowe

May 1, 2017

I still miss your bright smile but I will keep smiling and dancing.

September 27, 2016

Lakeasha RIP with the Lord. John 14:2-3

Amy Lee

September 20, 2016

LaKeasha and I were friends in our first job out of college, as young engineers. We lost touch a few years after we both left the company and she was with the Charlotte Hornets while also working full time as a sales engineer. I had looked to reconnect with her over the years, before I got on social media. I'm so sad to see the news of her passing.

LaKeasha, you were and still are a beautiful, smart, strong, sweet person. I will always remember our long conversations at our training camps...and dancing with you! My thoughts are with you and your family, always. Miss you, Q-T-Pie. ❤

March 30, 2016

Hi Keasha,

I ma praying for your family.

March 30, 2016

Keasha,

I miss you

Jennifer Donelson

September 26, 2015

LaKeasha, I was just thinking about you, remembering all the sharing that you did before your transition. I am still praying for your family, you are such a sweet spirit. I am married now I pray that the love you and your hubby shared I can experience forever.

Jennifer Donelson

Crystal McDaniel

April 24, 2015

Your beautiful smile and the warmth you always showed my dear grandmother has never been forgotten..Your memories will always live..especially when you and your family visited NPMBC of Williamston, SC

April 23, 2015

I miss you.

Dorothy Ealey

January 3, 2015

Hi,This is Annie D. I was one of your first guest to sign your book when your lost was first announced. I am glad you chose to keep it permanently online. Lakeasha was a beautiful young woman. She is still beautiful in the eyes of Our Lord.I know you miss her dearly. I share your grief. I hope she and my son became good friends in heaven. I felt so much pain for her when she left you and your family. I will never forget the day of her wedding. She was so HAPPILY IN LOVE. I will always be sadden by your lost. May God Bless And Keep You Both In His HEART Always!!!

December 31, 2014

Miss your smile, rest in peace.

December 31, 2014

I posted when you were first called from labor to reward, and I still think about you. We have never met, but the lives that you touched while here on earth said alot for you and your spirit. I know that your family misses you alot. May God continue to bless your family

Jennifer Donelson (Mitchell)

Davetta

December 12, 2014

What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

LORNA MULLINGS

December 11, 2014

LOOKING AT YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER MET SAID IT ALL , YOU WERE A PASSING FLOWER ONLY FOR A TIME HERE ON EARTH NOW THE LORD HAS CALLED U HOME TO SMILE EVEN MORE IN HEAVEN YOUR BEAUTY IS THE SUNSHINE THAT LIGHTS UP THE WORLD , REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE MY SISTER..

December 11, 2014

God bless your family, we all know that you are in a far greater place ...

December 10, 2014

On Tuesday night, we had male chorus practice at 3301 Beatties Ford Rd. I remembered our days of tutoring. I still tutor a thirteen year old friend. I told him about you. Miss you!! But I smile just for you!!!!

December 9, 2014

You had such a powerful impact in the short time you were here. May GOD continue to comfort your family until you all meet again.

Lisa

Catrina Harris

December 8, 2014

Such a Beautiful spirit!!

Jeneen Gibbs

December 6, 2014

I miss you cousin.....

Mandisa Elrod

December 6, 2014

When I think about you I smile(BIG). I didn't get to see you much but the memories I have are the best,that red moped would pull up almost everyday and you'd take me on a ride for hours sometimes... You are greatly missed.

Evonne Bigby

December 6, 2014

Rip

Geraldine Hooker

December 5, 2014

Again I light a candle in LaKeasha Rutledge's memory. Today is December 5, 2014.

December 4, 2014

Hi Keasha,

I miss you everyday.

Alishia Clement-Suber

February 8, 2014

Eventhough we didn't spend as much time together in adulthood I can't help but think of all the holidays and childhood memories I think of you everyday wish you could see Nevaeh she is such a joy I can't believe I the Queen am a grandma...love you always (Shon)

Pia Braud

December 23, 2013

I saw this story on t d jakes show yesterday. I felt her spirit through her husband. She was truley blessed. Msy God bless her husband and family.

Shantell Randall

December 1, 2013

I am forever inspired by the legacy and memories that LaKeasha left. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but with the amazing outpouring of love and friends and family that always speaks volume. Continued prayer for her families strength.

Dorothy Ealey

November 30, 2013

Missing You Always, Especially Holidays.

GERALDINE HOOKER

November 28, 2013

I light this candle Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013 in LaKeasha Rutledge Draft's memory. Earth's lost, was Heaven's gain.

November 27, 2013

LaKeasha,

Happy Thanksgiving

RIP Lakeasha.

October 29, 2013

Eula Odom

October 11, 2013

As I view the beauty created by the magnificent colors created by the autumn leaves and the patterns they display dancing in the wind Keasha comes to mind. Her agility, her beauty and her spirit. May God bless and keep all of her loved ones.

Jeanne Segers

September 24, 2013

Recently my husband was converting our VHS family videos to DVD and we couldn't stop watching you participating in the Miss Palmetto Pageant, Talent Shows, and then seeing you graduate from Palmetto High School. All of you girls were just like family to us. Love you still.

September 23, 2013

To the Draft and Rutledge family:

You have my deepest sympathy.

Betty Alexander

April 5, 2013

Never forgotten...

May the family and friends of LaKeasha be blessed!

Dr. J Rodriguez

March 30, 2013

Although I never met Lakeasha, she is a forever memory for me. When I joined the world watching the beautiful video, her beautiful wedding, what a wonderful woman, continuing to inspire us from heaven.

March 29, 2013

Happy Easter

"Some may not understand God needed you for His master plan."

Pastor Beverly Reed

January 31, 2013

Tonya Guzman

January 23, 2013

This story has really touched me and makes me appreciate life and my family even moreso. My prayers to all of her loved ones, I am so proud to be her soror.

December 19, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jackie Fluker

November 20, 2012

I don't know LaKeasha but to look at her picture, Her smile really said a lot about her. RIP LaKeasha!!

November 19, 2012

Monday Nov 19, 2012

Hi LaKeasha,

Thanksgiving is Thursday and we will miss having you at the table. We miss you now and always.

I miss your smile

September 13, 2012

LaKeasha,

I miss you, especially your positive outlook on life, your smile and your dancing.

I still look at your wedding video, it is so awesome to see the LOVE that you and Chris shared.

You will meet again in HEAVEN.

September 11, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

September 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

September 10, 2012

Tommy and Alice,

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child.

My deepest condolences are with you now and always.

LaKeasha , Rest in Pest

September 10, 2012

September 10, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

September 10, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

September 10, 2012

Hi Chris,

I viewed your wedding online, it was AWESOME to see the love that you and LaKeasha shared. Continue to talk to GOD as he will comfort you during this most difficult time.

September 8, 2012

To Chris, Tommy and Alice,

You were blessed to have had the spirited beauty of love, life, grace, and laughter as only Keasha could provide. Just imagine how much brighter heaven is now that our earth angel has ascended. I can hear her laughter and see her dancing as only she could. I pray that each day your hearts will grow lighter from the knowledge that your spirited butter fly is now lighting up Heaven with her smile and grace.

Eula Odom ........ Harpers Ferry, W.V.

Eric Lowe

August 23, 2012

Keasha was a pleasure to know. We coached kids at Friendship Baptist Church in Charlotte,NC.Her winning way with the kids that we tutored made me feel inspired. I am glad that she found happiness.

June 26, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

June 18, 2012

My prayers are with the Rutledge and Draft families.

June 18, 2012

Hi Chris;

I just watched your wedding video, it was obvious the love that you all shared for each other. This was a beautiful love story. It was awesome to see her walkup the isle to become Mrs. Keasha Draft. I was so happy to see her dance at the reception. The video was so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your wedding with the world.
You have my sympathy as you mourn the passing of your wife.

June 15, 2012

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

June 15, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Oluwa Akintunde

June 15, 2012

Everlasting REST is for sons and daughters of GOD. Sleep and REST in the bossom of the Almighty. Amen.

June 13, 2012

I'm thinking of you today.

June 13, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

June 11, 2012

God saw LaKeasha getting tired, so he wrapped his arms around her, and whispered, "Come with Me."

June 11, 2012

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

June 11, 2012

Chris,

Keeping asking GOD for strength, you and LaKeasha will be reunited.

June 11, 2012

LaKeasha,

You made a differnce in so many lives, you will be missed.

Rest in Peace until you are reunited with your husband, that will be such a glorious reunion.

June 7, 2012

Chris,

Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow.

May the peace that comes from the memories of the love you shared with Keasha comfort you now and always.

I pray for you every day and I ask GOD to give you strength as you go on your daily way.

I ask GOD to comfort you as you mourn.

Psalm 30:5b
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

June 6, 2012

Chris, you and Lakeasha are in my thoughts and prayers always.

June 5, 2012

Chris,
Lakesha was such a energetic person, she loved you so, she was so happy November 27, 2011 when you all were married. I was so happy to see her dancing, she had a great time, it's as if I can still see her smiling. smiling.

Stephanie R

June 5, 2012

My sincere condolscences to the Rutledge and Draft families.

Maiysha Vaughn

June 2, 2012

You are always in our hearts never to be forgotten.

Tammy Montanez

June 1, 2012

My heart and prayers goes out to the family of Lakeasha in this difficult time.

Olivia Shelby

June 1, 2012

I light this candle in LaKeasha's memory...

May 31, 2012

Chris,

Although no words can really help to ease the loss of your wife, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.

May 31, 2012

Tommy and Alice,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your daughter LaKeasha Rutledge Draft.

May 31, 2012

LaKeasha

God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you,
And said, "Come unto Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you,
As you slowly passed away.
And though we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
Many times we've needed you,
So many times we've cried.
If only love could have saved you,
You never would have died.

May 31, 2012

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

May 31, 2012

To Mrs. Keasha Draft,

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

May 31, 2012

To the parents of LaKeasha Rutledge Draft,
While searching for something else, I came across the wedding video of Chris Draft and LaKeasha Rutledge, it was so beautiful.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow, no bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. In loving memory of a wonderful person, take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

May 31, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May 31, 2012

Chris,
While searching for something else, I came across your wedding video to Keasha Rutledge, it was so beautiful,I could see the love that you all shared for each other.
You have my deepest condolences, stay close to GOD doing this time and ask him for comfort.

johnnetta lee

May 14, 2012

this is so touching i cant stop watching it god bless you chris

R.I.Paradise Mrs. LaKeasha Rutledge Draft!

Kathy Sherrod

May 4, 2012

I was looking on line for some encouraging words for a family when I ran across this article. How inspiring to see Keasha's lovely face and to read such a wonderful story about her wedding. All of our days are numbered, so we who are still on this earth have a chance to get it right with God. Mrs. LaKeasha Rutledge Draft "R.I.Paradise!"

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