Mavis "RED" Drayton

THE LIFE & LEGACY OF 

Mavis

Mavis V. Drayton transitioned from her earthly life on Thursday, November 6, 2025.  Mavis affectionately known as “Big Red,” was born on March 29, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Donald and Lafishia Victor. She was raised in Norco, Louisiana, and later in life moved to LaPlace, Louisiana, where she married the love of her life, Izell “Tom” Thomas. Mavis was a devoted mother to Sheri Williams and Courtney Lynn Drayton.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in June 1969 at Greater Good Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dell Parker. Mavis graduated from Destrehan High School in 1975. She attended Delgado Community College, where she obtained a degree in Business and Culinary Arts.

Mavis dedicated over 40 years of loyal service to the East Jefferson General Hospital Dietary Department, where she later retired in July 2021, leaving behind countless memories and friendships that will never fade.

She leaves behind two daughters, Sheri Williams and Courtney Lynn Drayton; three grandchildren, Karnacio Drayton, Khalil Drayton, and Vernisha Williams; and one great-grandchild, Khalil Drayton Jr. She also leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Linda Jones, Donna Marie Victor (Nathaniel White), and Marietta (Leroy Jr.) Mason; Godchildren Kawana Jones, Michael Stewart, Corenika Davis, Troy Thompson, and Cartier Smith; devoted bestfriends Nedra Paul Augustine, Patrice Davis, Curtis Walker, Cynthia Brown, Therese Patterson Grefer, and Wendy Hartzog; and bonus mother Florence Hamm. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish her love and laughter.

Mavis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late Izell “Tom” Thomas; her parents, Donald and Lafishia Victor; grandparents Razise Sampson, Elnora Mitchell, Cora Harris, and Donald Victor Sr.; nephew Perry Victor; Verdell Brown; and her godfather and uncle, Earl Victor Sr.

Mavis was truly one of a kind!

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, officers and members Greater Good Hope Baptist Church, and all neighboring Churches are invited to the Celebration of Life Services at 11:00am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Greater Good Hope Baptist Church, 47 Cathy Street, Norco, LA 70079. Dr. Tyrone Scott, Pastor-Officiant.   Visitation 9:00am until the time of service at the above-named Church.  Interment will be private.  Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”

There will also be a visitation on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home, 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.