Eleanor Draughon

CHAPEL HILL: Eleanor Daphine Smith Draughon, 87, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019 at SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Healthcare in Pittsboro, N.C. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Willie McCoy Smith and Alice Mae Hamilton Smith. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Draughon was also predeceased by her husband, Wallace Reed Draughon. From the age of 16, Mrs. Draughon loved genealogy, diligently researching ancestors for her own family. She became a professional genealogist, researching for others, and eventually authored several books on the subject. She also enjoyed making ceramic nativity scenes, Christmas trees and wreaths. With her husband, they designed and worked together to build their home. In addition, she raised six children, teaching them how to clean, organize, work hard and pay attention to detail. Eleanor belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully giving of her time and talents in several capacities of church service throughout her life. Mrs. Draughon is survived by her sons, Keith Draughon (Sarah), Craig Draughon (Ann), Kevin Draughon (Tammy); daughters, Sheila Parkin (Ralph), Karen Clark, Denise Pereira (Joe); and 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th at Clements Funeral Home in Durham. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 9th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chapel Hill (1050 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill). Burial will follow the services in Markham Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to FamilySearch (http://ldsp-pay.ldschurch.org/donations/familysearch). The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.