Rozena D. Kirkland

Rozena “Ms. Tank” Drakeford Kirkland, who was affectionately known as “Momma, GrandMa, Tank, Aunt Tank, and Ms Tank” was born September 28, 1930, to the late Isaac Drakeford and Eva Brown Drakeford. Rozena spent many years as a Housekeeper, and cook and caregiver for many families here in Camden, SC. She was also a lover and caregiver of animals. She would cook a big pot of grits every day for her adopted cats and dogs. She was a caregiver to ALL.  

Born and raised in Camden SC, Rozena was a member of St. Luke Baptist Church. She was very active in her church as The Mother of church, a member of the Gospel Choir, Usher Board, and a member the Hospitality Committee. That may have been her favorite thing to do as she loved cooking and feeding people. Although she retired about 15 years ago, she never stopped feeding and caring for others.

 Rozena was married to the late George Edward Kirkland. She was the mother of 2 daughters Eva K. Haile and Ella Louise Davis, both of Camden SC, a stepdaughter, Sadie Horton of Brooklyn, NY; three sons and 1 stepson who proceeded her in death Edward “Bro Bear” Kirkland, Willie “Frankie Boy” Kirkland, Robert “Jackie” Kirkland, and David “DaBo” three sisters, Queenie Mosley, Hattie Mae Drakeford and Nancy Drakeford, two brothers, Willie Joe Drakeford and Isaac Drakeford Jr.; two grandchildren, Billy and Tonya Davis and one great grandson, Hykeem Davis.

She leaves to cherish her memories three sisters Elizabeth Cauley, Mary Drakeford and Laura Blount, all of Paterson, NJ, two brothers, Grover “Sonny” Drakeford of Paterson, NJ and Richmond “Hookie” Drakeford of Birmingham, AL; three grandchildren, Maurice “Tony” Haile, Makethia Davis and Yvonne Davis. She also leaves a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

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