Madeleine Sherod

Madeleine Sherod, a devoted mother, community leader, and woman of steadfast faith, passed away on July 22, 2025. She was born on April 24, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, to William "Pork Chops" Sherod Sr. and Leora "Sista" Sherod. A proud graduate of West High School's Class of 1966, Madeleine went on to attend Iowa Wesleyan College. In 1967, she married Lonnie Earl Drayton Jr., and together they raised five children during their 16-year union. Madeleine's professional journey spanned 25 years at Valspar Corporation, where she served as Union President for USWA 960L. After retirement, her commitment to service continued as Cafeteria Manager at Lewis Lemon Elementary School, where she again led with distinction as Union President of the Nutrition Services Workers for Rockford Public School District 205-one of Illinois' largest school districts. A member of Greater Faith Empowerment Center, Madeleine served faithfully on the Mother's Board, offering wisdom and support to her church family. Her leadership extended far beyond the workplace. She co-founded the Mothers Organization with her cousin Virginia Ware, dedicated to working with both victims and perpetrators of gun violence. Their efforts earned them the Mother of the Year Award in 1996. Her advocacy led her to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she represented union workers and was a featured speaker on National Public Radio (NPR). During that pivotal trip, she met President Bill Clinton, further underscoring the national recognition of her grassroots leadership. Madeleine also served as President of the Booker Washington Community Center Board of Directors and was a proud member of the National Council of Negro Women. Her life was a legacy of compassion, courage, and relentless service-forever remembered and deeply cherished.
Madeleine leaves to cherish many loving memories, her daughters, Angelique Drayton, LaChelle Drayton and Nyokalynn Drayton; son, Lonnie E. (Janet) Drayton II; three grandchildren - Kendra (Quadell) Kimble, E'Chelle Drayton-Ollins and Malonni Drayton; three great grandchildren – JaTavia Avery, DeRez Kimble and Tranier Kimble; sisters Audris Billberry and Alona (Edward) Forman; host of nieces nephews cousins other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; brothers William Sherod Jr., Thurston Sherod Sr., and Andre Brown; sister Elizabeth "Liz" Green; son Tranier "Tree" Drayton. Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Providence Baptist Church 2209 Clifton Ave. Rockford, IL 61102. Flowers can be sent to Providence Baptist Church directly.