Drenaye Houston Obituary

Dear Naye,
You had to leave me nearly 18 years ago. I miss you so much. Tears are flowing today the same as they did Jan. 3, 2006. I know you are in a better place but I selfishly still miss you. Every time I hear someone say something about their SISTER, my soul aches. I am blessed to have 2 brothers but you were my only sister, my best friend, my confident, my advisor and you shared my memories of childhood fantasies. I speak to your spirit when no one else can replace my longing for a sister's love. Today I pray that you continue to Rest in Peace until we meet again. So many things have happened over the years. You would be so proud of your nephews. The twins are married now and both live in GA., and your little buddy is not so little anymore. I feel blessed to be their Mom. You were a great role model. Dad has joined you in eternal rest and we miss him terribly. Mom is our much loved matriarch and continues share her wisdom and show us love.
As I wipe my tears, I pray to go into a healthy, happy and blessed 2024.

Forever your Baby Sister,
Kim

Heaven gained an angel on this day. Missing you dear friend .

Today is Jan. 3, 2008 and it has been 2 years. In many ways it feels like it is still Jan. 3, 2006 because I cannot forget that day. As a family our love for you has not changed and our tears have not stopped but we are feeling blessed in knowing that you are in a much better place. Your friends have been awesome in their loving support and we love them as we know that you did. You will never be far from me and we will meet again.
I love you Sister,

Kim

Happy Birthday! Drenaye

3/3/2006

I miss you very much, I know you are free. I said a prayer for you to be free and fly high with the winds over the Atlantic Ocean as we released your ashes today.

Forever Love! From your Sister,

Kim

Mattie, I worked with you at Goose Creek High School and Dubose Middle. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, Drenaye. You have our deepest sympathy. May God give you and your family strength at this most diffucult time.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray for peace and joy to return to your precious family. Dreney was an friend from high school, and I am so saddened by her passing. She is with Jesus, this I know, even as a young high schooler, she allowed the LIGHT of Jesus Christ to shine through her. To her family, I pray your hearts will be at peace. God bless you all. In His Service, Michele

Mattie and Larry, Our hearlfelt condolences goes out to you and your family. Words cannot fully express our feelings. In your sorrow, be very proud of your daughter. She touched more lives in her short time here than most of us ever will. You guys did an excellent job as parents. As I said, words fail me now but - be well, take care of yourselves and may God continue to bless you and yours. Love, Jim and Mildred Higgins

I am very saddened to have learned of Drenaye’s death. I worked with her at the Department of Justice for many years. I remember fondly her arrival at Justice as a young attorney and I watched her grow in competence and confidence into a strong, dedicated and articulate trial attorney. We worked on many cases together and I could always rely on her judgment and insight. Although I have been gone from the Department for several years, Drenaye’s wonderful personality and joy of life remain outstanding memories for me. I send my deepest sympathy and to all her friends and family.

To Drenaye's parents and family,



Drenaye came to the Department of Justice as an honor grad attorney just a few months after I did, so we knew each other as approximate "classmates" the whole time we were here together. Drenaye became my friend at once, because, well, that's how Drenaye was.



Later, I joined the Region 5 group as a senior lawyer a few months after Drenaye did. I often sought her advice and commiseration, which she graciously, patiently provided. Her door was always open. This is what I remember most about Drenaye -- not the incredible amount of really challenging work she did, but the fact that no matter how busy she was, she would always help a friend.



Drenaye's grace -- it's the only word -- as she battled her disease was awe-inspiring. How she could care so much for others when facing such a personal crisis, I cannot imagine.



How fortunate I was to have such a friend and colleague! People like Drenaye come along only rarely in a lifetime. We have lost a treasure, and nothing can assuage that loss. Yet perhaps the chorus of love and admiration in which this voice joins may bring some comfort.

On behalf of Edwina,Daren,and myself,all of our prayers are with you, Houston family.If it was not for the friendship between Drenaye and Daren, we would never have been blessed to know the entire Houston family.As I think of Drenaye,I will always remember her beautiful smile.

May God contine to comfort your hearts in this time of sadness. And I pray that we also can be a source of comfort for you.

With Much Love and Compassion, Cecilye Harris-Kuhn

To the Houston Family,



My family and I were saddened to learn of Drenaye’s passing. I fondly remember my cheerleading days in middle school with Drenaye, on the Jets in MenRiv. I also remember her outgoing spirit from Sedgefield Middle School. My deepest sympathies to your family, and may God and time help ease the pain of your profound loss.



Karen (Perry) Daniel (for the Perry Family)

To the Houston Family,

I was very sad to receive the news of Drenaye's passing. I remember her as if it were yesterday in Menriv and in many classes in Middle and High School. She was always smiling. I know you are very pround of her many accomplishments in her life. I wish I had kept in touch with her through the years. She will be greatly missed by everyone whom she touched. May God be with you during your time of sorrow.

With Kind Regards,

Jody Burkhead Charpia

To The Houston Family,



Words cannot describe how I feel and how I'm sure you must be feeling. Drenaye and I knew each other from when we were in High School together and the news of her passing has hurt me deeply. She was a wonderful woman and the world has lost someone very special. But God has her now and she is in the Master's care. My prayers and thoughts will be with you all. May God strengthen you and keep you.

Dearest Houston Family,

I write this with much sadness to hear of the loss of Drenaye.She was always very special. It was not a surprise to read about her life achievements.



She was an inspiration to all who knew her at GCHS.We spent many days cheering together. I will always and forever have those wonderful memories of her jumping sky high and climbing to the top with the brightest smile.

She will be greatly missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. With love and sympathy,

Lisa Bertan Slone (Orlando Fl.)

I have known Drenaye since my high school days at Summerville High back in the late 70's. She has been a blessing to the many lives that she has encountered. God has used her for his purpose when she was on this earth and now she is with him now.



Take comfort in knowing that she is truly in a better place and that she positively affected this world the time she was here.



God Bless your famliy in this time of need.

To the Houston family: My family and I send our love and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Drenaye. We have known the Houston's since the 70's when we all lived in Men-Riv. We will cherish the memories we’ve had with Drenaye and the whole Houston family. May God give you strength, comfort and the support you need to carry on. God Bess You All, Love the Vernon’s Marge, Felicia (Sivels), Fred, Dale (Bausley), James, Sheri (Harris) and Nina ( Mitchell)

To the Houston Family:



Drenaye and I attended USC together and I was her resident advisor one year. She was a beautiful person to know and my prayers went out to your family when I heard of her death. As a minister of the gospel, I share the knowledge that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Please find comfort in knowing this, as you deal with the difficult days to come.



We will continue to pray for you all and Drenaye's memory will forever be with me.



Godspeed,

Dear Houston family:



Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Drenaye was a wonderful person and she will always hold a very special place in our hearts. May God give you the strength through this difficult time. God bless you.



Love,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Houston family for the loss of Drenaye.

We were sorry to hear of Drenaye's passing. We also attended Goose Creek High. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with the family as you cherish the wonderful memories of Drenaye. God bless you always.

My thoughts of deepest sympathy have been with you since I first heard about Drenaye. I meet Drenaye at GCHS and I will always remember her smile. May it be a source of inner strength to know that thers's a loving God watching over your family, and that, throughout this time of need He'll stay close by your side.

Words cannot describe the kind of person Dreanye was.



I knew her since the 6th grade.



I wlll come back and write more after her memorial services.

Dear Mattie and Family,



My heart goes out for the loss of Drenaye. She was a dear friend in our younger years and high school. I know she dedicated her life to what was right. She will be greatly missed by all. This is truly an experience of our mortality on this earth for the Lord to call her at such an early age. My prayers will be with you.



Stuart Reeves

We are sending our sinceriest condolances to you and you family. We have such fond memories of Drenaye and all of you. She is at peace now and continuing her accomplishments in Heaven.

With loving thoughts

Rich & Nancy Alkire--Neill, Kellie,

Felicia, Warren.

To the entire Houston family, I send my deepest, heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Drenaye. She was so full of joy, goodness, intelligence and strength that touched the lives of everyone who had the great pleasure of knowing her. My days in high school at GC always included many wonderful and fun filled days laughing and giggling with Drenaye when we cheered together. She was a friend and soulmate for all of us that knew her at school and did so much good in the world with her short life.

I look foward to seeing her beautiful smile in heaven and catching up on old times together. She will never be forgotten by those of us that knew her. I am sorry I can't be there at the memorial service to share in the greatness of her life but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I didn’t know Drenaye personally, I had the pleasure of attending school around the same time she did. I read her list of accomplishment, and I am not at all surprise. I am sure there are many more that have not been listed. The one accomplishment that sticks out to me personally, is watching her cheer. She was among the very few on the cheerleading team back then that looked like me. In her short time on earth she has done very well, which must be noted: Be all you can, because you do not know how long you have here. She has done her job very well here on earth, and now is going to work directly with the Lord. The Lord will be proud just like we are. God Bless the family.

Stephanie Stevens

Dear Larry, Mattie,and Family, Jack and I are sorry about the passing of Drenaye. We would like to express our deepest sympathy,and say to the both of you___Remeber her with laughter, and not with grieving tears.Remeber her with happiness,when you look back over the years.Remeber her with loving thoughts,that showed her how much you cared.Remeber her for ever,and her life will never have to part.For when you feel you need her

---She will be there in your HEART.



Love

I am so sorry to have read about your loss. May God grant you and your family strength to during this time. I remember Drenaye from my days at Sedegefield, Goose Creek, and USC. She was a very dear person. I really got to know her during the summer of 1982 after my mom died and I spent a lot of time at your house. Which was a blessing to me. Drenaye will be missed by all. Take Care.

Drenaye, you will forever be in my heart and mind. Enjoy your new home with God and visit in my dreams.



To the family - my deepest sympathy.



Lee

You have our deepest sympathy. We are here for you and your family.

Love Always from Deacon and Deaconess Snype

Dearest Houston Family

We were very saddened to hear of Drenaye's passing. We have fond memories of being in your home as teenagers laughing and hanging out with the entire family. Your home was always a welcoming place. Our deepest sympathy on your loss.

The Houston Family,

I looked in my GCHS yearbook (1980) and realized that I sponsered Drenaye for Homecoming Queen. It was a great pleasure to know all of the Houston's then and also now. Running into her in DC and spending time with her was great. I only wish it could have been longer. Meeting her co-workers helped me to realize just how much of a special person she was. I will miss her dearly.

To Mrs. Mattie Houston and Family, Sorry to hear of the lost of a precious angel, God must have needed another to fill an empty space. I loved Mattie as everyone use to call her at Marrington Middle. I work with Mrs. Houston back at Marrington in the early 80's. Jesus wiil give you the strength to make it through. Remember, earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

darryl i,m sorry for your loss, i'm sure she is in a better place now.

Mrs. Houston and Family,



I have known all of you since the day I was born and loved your family as part of my own. I am very sorry for your loss and I know that Drenaye is with God where He will eternally watch over her. My deepest sympathy and regret for not being able with you but I want you to know that my families thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God's Will be done and love to you all.

In the brief time that I worked with Drenaye, she impressed me with her talent, personality, and professionalism. She was a jewel at DOJ. I am deeply saddened by her leaving and my heart goes out to her family.

In Drenaye Houston Memories To the Houston family Mattie, Larry, Darryl, Kelvin, Kim and all other

family members, friends and

acquaintances we love you and share your pain.

I love and thank you for giving and sharing through God’s grace and love a daughter so loving and kind to the world. In these days of sorry and grief just remember Heaven is not to far away, it’s as close as our hearts, minds and

spirits filled with love and

memories of Drenaye and her

unselfish love to all that knew her.

I had the pleasure to meet Drenaye in her med teens such a loving

caring friend she became to me and my whole family. It only took a

minute to know she was special and within and hour she had touched my heart, soul and mind with her

unselfish love.To know Drenaye was to love her and I had that privilege for over twenty years.

Drenaye gave love with her smile and the way she greeted each and everyone with tender loving care. With a concerning voice she always gave her best to all that grace her life she was a friend. Jesus said there is none better then a friend. So for this reason I share with you this poem title



Unselfish Love.



I can’t explain to you and our grieving hearts.

Why we must let go and give her to God.

Maybe we should think on this.

She belonged to Him right from the start.

God didn’t cry when He loaned us His heart.

She was with us for such a short while, yet what a life.

She let us know Jesus was in her heart by the love she gave.

Let us say our goodbyes with a grateful heart.

Give thanks to the almighty for such a great love.

Who grace our lives and filled our hearts with love.

She taught us to be grateful, enjoy life and every gift from

above.

We can do nothing but respect her love.

Let her go back to the God she loved.

In Christ Jesus, we lovingly set her free.

To be the Glory in Heaven she was meant to be.

Drenaye we honor you, we love you and we will never ever

Forget you. We thank you for gracing our lives with your love.

I love you, as we all do. The Martin family Etta, Lee, Lee Jr. David, Derrick, Tony and Jack.

Mr. and Mrs. Houston and the Houston family,



I am sad to hear of Drenaye's passing. For me, I remember Drenaye back at "the Creek" cheering her heart out.



I and my family would like to express our deepest sympathy. God bless you and Drenaye. Memories of Drenaye will live with us all forever.



Thorneal T.(Poochie) Reed Jr.

I too went to GCHS w/ Drenaye and I have not seen her since the "Gator" days, but what a pleasure she was to be around. Her list of accomplishments is not surprising to any of us. Be proud and know that where she is now is a much better place.

My condolescences goes out to the family and friends. May the Lord keep and be with you all throughout your bereavement. I did not know her personally; but it is evident by her achievements that she lived a brilliant and successful life. It is my prayer that her soul rest in eternal peace. I am Gerald Ligon's cousin.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Drenaye's family. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be sadly missed.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Houston family. I am so sorry to hear of Drenaye's passing. I cheered with Drenaye in high school. I will never forget watching her climb without fear to the top of any four-man high mound the cheerleaders could put together. She had a "toe-touch" jump that would make your mouth drop to the floor. I remember my first year at cheerleading camp when Drenaye was given the honor of the highly coveted All-American Cheerleading Award. Drenaye was a precious gift. We will miss her.

Mattie,

We share in your pain. May GOD bless and sustain you and your family in this temporary separation. We love you!

My sincerest condolences go out to Drenaye's Family. She was a Ray of Sunshine always in our days at Dear ole' Goose Creek High School. We attended school together and she was always so cheerful & kind to all. She certainly made this world a better place and I know she has made Heaven that way also. Please know your in my prayers.

Take care, Reneé

I did not know Drenaye but I know her father from work. But I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Houston family. "Blessed be the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies & the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our tribulation..."(2 Cor.1:3,4) May you have peace & comfort. Also, very soon Jehovah God will bring death to an end by means of the resurrection hope. (John 5:28,29)

To the Houston Family,



Drenaye has always been a shining star dating way back to the early days in Men Riv Park. Some of my fondest, childhood memories include my friendship with her and the rest of you all in the Houston family. I feel very blessed to have known her. My love and prayers go out to all of you in this time of great sorrow. Though she is no longer with us here, her influence on all of us, and our Country will live forever. Mr. and Mrs. Houston, thanks for bringing her to us.



Love,

My prayers are with Drenaye's family & friends. The world has lost a true gift. May God bless you and comfort you.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Drenaye's passing. Even though I hadn't seen her since high school, I will always remember her as a friendly person who always had a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Drenaye,



I am glad we reconnected in Washington, DC while I was stationed at the Pentagon. My thoughts and prayers were with you and your family during your sickness and I was glad I got to spend time with you, Kim, Kelvin and your Mom. I am truly blessed to know that I can call you friend.

I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies to Drenaye's family. Drenaye and I attended law school together. She was so bright and beautiful and had such a sweet and gentle demeanor. Always a smile on her face. I hope that as time passes, the sadness of your tremendous loss will be replaced with only warm memories of the times that you shared with her. She accomplished much in her time here and I am confident that her legacy will continue to live on in the memories of all of the lives that she touched.

Kim and Henry

Our thoughts and prayers are with and the family. May god bless each and everyone of you.



Ellen and Terrance Linyard

I was saddened to hear about Drenaye's passing. Even though I have not seen her in more than 20 years, I remember her radiant smile and abundant goodness so vividly, just like it were yesterday! She was an inspiration to all who knew her!



May God be with all of us - her family and friends, as me mourn her passing. May her soul rest in peace in Heaven with God our Father.

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN:FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED; ST MATTHEW 5 AND 4th. I AM DEEPLY SHOCKED AND SADDEN ABOUT DRENAYE'S DEATH. DRENAYE HAS BEEN A FRIEND TO MY SIBLINGS AND I FROM HIGH SCHOOL EVEN THOUGH OUR HIGH SCHOOL WERE RIVALRIES. WE WERE FRIENDS. WE LOVE HER BUT GOD LOVES HER BEST. BE STONG IN THE LORD!!! DEBORAH MILLHOUSE-SINGLETON

WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS HOW I FEEL AT THIS MOMENT.EVEN THOUGH I LOSTED CONTACT WITH DRENAYE I STILL THOUGHT ABOUT HER OFTEN ESPECIALLY WHEN MY ALMA MATER PLAYED GOOSE CREEK. DRENAYE AND I MET CHEERING. I CHEERED FOR SUMMERVILLE HIGH AND SHE CHEERED FOR GOOSE CREEK. WE FORMED A BOND AND SPENT PLENTY OF TIME TOGETHER. WE WILL KEEP THE FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS. SHE WILL BE MISSED. A VERY BEAUTIFUL,WARM,CARING PERSON. SHARON MILLHOUSE

My heart goes out to the Houston family. Words are just inadequate to express my heartfelt sympathy. I can remember Drenaye's smile going back to Men-Riv days and continuing on to our Days at USC.

Just remember Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. God will comfort, time will heal



God Bless,

Otis

To the Houston Family



I met Drenaye while we were at Carolina. We had a few classes together and I always knew her as a "go getter".

Rest assured in this time that you had a beautiful daughter not only in looks but also in spirit.

You loved her but know that God loved her just a bit more and saw fit to bring her in from the fields; which is what we all work towards hearing in the late evening of our lives.

Hopefully the youth that she met along the way will put forth the effort to use the skills to cope with the up's and down's of life the she no doubt used to make it to where she was through God and family.



May she rest in peace

Thelma White Nelson

Dear Houston Family:

May God richly bless all of you during your great lost. Drenaye was a friend in high school. Although I graduated from Summerville (1980). She was part of the great kids I hung out with in the lowcountry. She achieved much success in her life. I am not suprise at all she displayed such grace and class even at a young age. She will be greatly missed.

Ragen B. Mitchell

I did not know Dreynaye, but after reading her guest book I decided to write to express my condolence for such a dynamic young lady. May you be comforted by the assurance found at Isaiah 25:8 that Jehovah will will soon swallow up death forever and wipe tears from all faces.

I did not know Dreynaye, but after reading her guest book I decided to write to express my condolence for such a dynamic young lady. May you be comforted by the promise found at Isaiah 25:8 that Jehovah will will soon swallow up death forever and wipe tears from all faces.

Maddie, Larry, Kim, Darryl & Kelvin

I know right now their is a part of your hearts that have been broken. Drenaye what a beautiful woman she became.Drenaye lived a life that some people wish they could. she will be deeply missed by many. Maddie, Larry you guys are the best.may GOD continue to nurture and bless you guys.I have been praying for you and will continue to pray and if their is anything one thing I can say I know that Drenaye is with God what a blessing.take care and know that you have family and friends that will be here when you need them.We love you and will see you soon.

To the Houston Family,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter Drenaye. I remember Drenaye from our football days at Men-Riv. My prayers are with your family.May God grant you the strength to get though this time .God Bless you all.

god bless the houston's family from the millhouse family from summerville.I will forever love drenaye.

Kim and Gerald,

I am so sorry to read about your great loss. Due to our "Sigma" link, my heart goes out to you and your family. May God give you all the strength and understanding to bear such a loss.



James Morton, your Phi Beta Sigma brother

It was a pleasure to know and watch Drenaye growing up to become the person that she developed into. But it was an honor to know the lady and beautiful person that she became. Her mother Mattie, her father Larry, and her brothers and sister helped shape the well rounded and kind, caring person that she was. you'll be missed here on earth, but heaven will be one angel richer. Love

Dear Mattie & Larry,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter Drenaye.My prayers are with your family.May God grant you the strength to get though this time .God Bless you all.

Like everyone else in the Environmental Enforcement Section who knew Drenaye, I was greatly saddened by her illness and her passing. I never had the opportunity to work with Drenaye, but spoke with her frequently at Senior Attorney meetings we attended and when we happened to meet around the office. The speakers at Drenaye's memorial service who raved about what a terrific attorney Drenaye was were absolutely correct. Very few, if any, here have been better.

I can add (as you know) that Drenaye was a delightful person to talk to. Even when frantically busy, she would always smile, say hello, and chat for a minute or two. As with everyone who knew her, I miss Drenaye and--at least as long as I work here--will continue to miss her. I have two daughters of my own and can, I think, especially appreciate how difficult it must be to lose such a wonderful daughter. I hope, and expect, that all of you who Drenaye leaves behind will help each other through this difficult time and into much happier times ahead.

I had the distinct honor of knowing and caring for Drenaye as a patient.She was a wonderful ,caring, gentle person.I feel priviledged to have had to opportunity to be a part of her medical team and i am so very sorry that we could not have changed the outcome.I will always remember Drenaye as a patient that truely touched me.You (her family should be very proud of her)

From a child to a woman, she was always the family's pride. While we miss her, we pray for her, to be at God's side.

Dear Houston Family,

Drenaye was one of a kind. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. She was an exceptional attorney who always had a smile on her face. I was blessed and fortunate enough to get to know Drenaye at the Department of Justice. I don’t think there was a day that I saw her where she wasn’t cheerful and friendly. It was my distinct privilege and pleasure to work with her. Her loss leaves a tremendous hole in my life and the countless others who came to know and love Drenaye. I just want you to know my thoughts and my heart are with you, her family, friends and colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Drenaye.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Drenaye's family. She will be missed but not forgotten. She had a profound affect on my life and I am truly blessed to have known her. Her memory will live on in me for as long as I live. Drenaye rest in peace. I will see you on the other side.

Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I liked and admired Dreynaye from the first time I met her and had the privilege of working with her on a case. Her courage, grace and dignity in her struggle with her illness should be an inspiration to all. Bishop Brent likened death to a ship disappearing over the horizon. You see the ship, then just the sails, and finally nothing, but it is not really goodbye. It is the beginning of a new journey. Our prayers are the wind that aids her on that trip. May the wind blow fairly in her sails and may you come to know peace.

Dear Houston Family,



During my first couple of years at the Justice Department, Drenaye's office was next door to mine, and so I used to drop in on her, just about every day, to take a break from my work. Drenaye was my age; I think she had arrved at DOJ the year before me, right after law school, as I had. So she knew what it was like to be a young lawyer in an overwhelming job, to be surrounded by so many bright, capable and kind people, but asked to do such a stressful and difficult job.



Drenaye was always happy to see me when I dropped by to shoot the breeze for a few minutes in the afternoon. She was always relaxed, and always met me with a welcoming smile. Not once did she nervously glance at the papers on her desk, look askance at her work, or make any of the small gestures that office people use as social signals. Whenever a friend visited it was, for Drenaye, an occasion, a delight. For the few minutes that she put down her work, there was nothing more important to Drenaye than listening to and laughing along with the friend who had stopped by.



Later Drenaye and I worked on the Vertac trial together. The trial gave us the opportunity to become intimately familiar with the hotels in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, and the flight schedule between the Washington, D.C. and Little Rock airports, but it also gave me more time to enjoy Drenaye's company. I was always happy when I could arrange my schedule so that Drenaye and I could fly down to Little Rock together, or when it turned out we would be down in Little Rock during the same week. Her friendship and good cheer made the trial a much less lonely and difficult experience.



I have worked with so many attorneys, and I have made many friends at the Justice Department, but I will always remember Drenaye. She was cheerful, friendly, and graceful beyond compare. You could not ask for a more pleasant colleague, or a kinder person to have as a friend.



With love,



Sean Carman

Drenaye was an inspiration to all of us in the way she lived her life. She has a wonderful family, both in South Carolina and in the Environment Division of DOJ. She is a cherished friend and we will carry her memory forever.

I greatly admired Drenaye. She will remain in my memory as the talented, gracious, and smart lady that she was. We at DOJ EES very much appreciated her.

I was blessed and fortunate enough to meet and get to know Drenaye while working at the Department of Justice a few years ago. From the beginning she was an inspiration. A woman whose spirit and ambition spilled over onto me. Drenaye was the epitome of power, stength and courage. I appeciated our talks and always welcomed her warm smile.





I know you're at peace now Drenaye. I love you and will miss you dearly.

There has been a huge hole rendered in the fabric of the universe by the passing of Drenaye L. Houston. I shall never stop loving her and I shall never stop being her friend.

Considerate, soft-spoken, always pleasant and positive . . . a truly elegant person in every way. These are the initial things that come to mind when I think of Drenaye, and yet I feel they say volumes about the person we loved and the qualities we seek for ourselves and admire in others such as her. She will be deeply missed.

If your life was not in some way touched or impacted by Drenaye, it's only because you never met her. She did more to make the world a better place for all of us just by being the wonderful person she always was. She will be profoundly missed by all who ever came in contact with her.

Drenaye was a beautiful, vibrant, caring, and courageous person,

as well as a brilliant and gifted attorney advocating for a clean environment. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who has had the pleasure of being in her presence!

I am a co-worker of Drenaye and when I met her in 1990 it was a pleasure to meet such an intelligent, friendly and devoted female attorney. I will truly miss her. My condolences and prayers are with the family.

My prayers and condolences go out to the Houston family. I knew and worked with Drenaye for many years, she was a very kind and loving person. She will be truly missed, May God comfort and keep you in this most difficult time.

I had the pleasure of working with Drenaye, while working in the Region 5 group of DOJ. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

I am a colleague of Drenaye at DOJ and I (we) am deeply saddened by her loss. I only worked with her briefly but I did get the opportunity to know her. She is an admiration to any young black women that aspires to be a highly regarded, well respected attorney. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

I met Drenaye three weeks ago with Jeffrey Tignor. I really enjoyed being in her presence. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.

My heart goes out to Maddie, Larry, Kim, Kelvin and to rest of your lovely family. We truly will miss Drenaye and all of her unique qualites. Love and sympathy.

I met Drenaye only once. But, my son knew her well. I know how much she meant to him. Thus, she meant a lot to me. I thought she was lovely, bright, and full of life. I'm deeply saddened by her death as is my son. We feel blessed to have been touched by her. God Bless.