Barbara Drayton, 84, died on Friday, April 8, 2022 at John Muir Hospital with her family by her side and in the thoughts and prayers of countless family and friends.

Barbara was born May 25, 1937 in Gran Couva, Trinidad to Lambert and Emelda Drayton. She was a highly skilled hard working fashion designer who was up until her hospitalization, engaged in making gowns and dresses, and beading them by hand.  In addition to working hard, she found relaxation and reward in playing the slots.  The only thing she enjoyed more than playing the slots were visiting her family and close friends abroad in Trinidad, England, Belgium, Canada, and here in the US.  She was a spiritual woman, who was appreciative of all her blessings, and enjoyed praying for family and friends.

In 1960, Barbara left her homeland of Trinidad to enter the Mayer School of Fashion Design in New York City where she excelled in designing, pattern making, lingerie, and drapery.  She started her professional career with the then popular house of Jonathan Logan who also had designers Doris Varnum and Liz Claiborne on staff during her tenure.  She always said they were good, but she was better.  Her designs were a timeless appeal inspired by the classic vintage labels.  In many ways, she was ahead of her time working on high fashion and sophisticated formal gowns. Barbara moved to many other famous fashion houses including Misty Lane, where she was Assistant Designer. Her career allowed her to work with distinguished designers such as Bill Blass, Donald Brooks, and Norman Norell.  Barbara was able to go out on her own launching Barbara Drayton Originals & Krypton Originals in New York with her garment factory in Newark, New Jersey and was the resident gown maker for Miss NY (Miss U.S.A pageant).

Barbara is survived by her children, Lynton (Lisa, daughter-in law) and Sean (Nadira, daughter-in-law); 5 grandchildren, Antoine, Amber, Jared, Niamh, and Cara; 1 great grandson, Andrew; sister, Pearl Thomas; sister-in-laws, Helen Drayton, Leotta Drayton, and Donna Drayton; countless nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Carl, Evelyn, Anthony, Oswald, Eastlyn, Selwyn, Errol, and Fitzroy.

Barbara will be deeply missed by all the family, friends and all who knew her.

Visitation/Silent Rosary will be held on Wednesday April 20, 2022, at 11:00am with a funeral service at 1:30pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel