Annie Bell " Champion " Drakeford

It is with deep love and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Annie Bell   Drakeford (affectionately known as “Sugardee”), at the age of 91, on September 24, 2025, in   Camden, South Carolina.  

Born on April 4, 1934, in Kershaw County, Annie was the beloved daughter of James Champion   and Laura Kelley Champion. She later married Frank Drakeford, and together they built a life  filled with love, family, and devotion.  For decades, Annie faithfully served as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, dedicating her life to  Jehovah on April 1, 1965. 

She lived as a loyal servant of Jehovah and a shining example of  Christian faith. Her love for the congregations, the ministry, and her family reflected her deep  spiritual commitment and grace.  Annie’s love for fashion and design led her to a distinguished career as a seamstress. With skill  and artistry, she designed and sewed wedding gowns for renowned fashion houses including  Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, and Demetrios. Her creativity, attention to detail, and elegance were  evident in every piece she crafted.  

She will be remembered for her elegance, faith, sense of humor, and her joy in cooking and  gardening. Her gift for hospitality was especially seen in the way she welcomed Bethelites and  friends into her home. To her family, she was more than a matriarch—she was a guiding light.  Annie was also an avid thrift shopper, reserved her evenings for fish frying, and delighted in a  large pizza slice on the weekends. Above all, her greatest joy was her active participation in the  ministry, where she expressed her love and appreciation for Jehovah. 

 She is survived by her daughter, Francinia S. Jackson (Charles); her grandchildren, Katura  Jackson, Charlene Woolard (Tim), Charlotte Jackson, Camisha Mivens (Dyrell), and  Courtney S. Robinson (Kolby);fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren;  nieces and nephews, and a host of loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband,  parents, and siblings. 

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET at The Kingdom  Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Camden, SC, where friends and loved ones will gather to  honor her life and faith.  Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the sure promise of the resurrection, and look  forward to seeing her again in paradise.