Maria Denise Drayton was born on May 13, 1953, in Alexandria, VA, to her beloved parents James Alton Drayton and Estelle Sarah Calloway-Drayton. Maria transitioned May 15, 2024. She grew up in Alexandria until 1962 when her family moved to Arlington, VA. Maria was the only girl among her four siblings. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School, then Gunston Middle School, and graduated from Wakefield High School in Arlington. After high school, Maria Pursued further education at Phelps Business School, earning a degree in business.

Following her college graduation, Maria met her life partner, William, and later welcomed her first child, DeVaughn H. Drayton, followed by her daughter, Shanequa D. Green. Known affectionately as "Mama" to many, Maria was a mother figure in her community, known for her love of children and willingness to help others. She dedicated over 20 years to working as a Teacher and Assistant Director at the Arlington County Public Schools Extended Day Program.

In her free time, Maria enjoyed caring for her students and loved ones, cooking, playing bingo, and supporting the Washington Redskins. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Maria is preceded in death by her mother, Estelle S. Calloway, father James Alton Drayton, grandmother Sarah Calloway, and her partner William H. Newton.

She is survived by her son, DeVaughn H. Drayton, daughter-in-law Alicia Grande; daughter Shanequa D. Green, son-in-law Shawn Green; and her five grandchildren: Shawn Lamont Green Jr., JoVaughn Michael Green, Joniah Devaughn Drayton, Nevaeh Shavon Green, and Jaylen William Green. Maria is also survived by her brother Relford Drayton, sister-in-law Beatrice Smalls Drayton, sister-in-law Cynthia Powell, nieces Jazmin Drayton and Candice Drayton, nephew Corey Drayton, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, June 1st from 11:00am-1:00pm in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640.

On Saturday, June 1st at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream