Rochelle Rasheena Drummer

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Rochelle Rasheena Drummer, who left this world on April 25, 2026, after courageously overcoming an illness with remarkable strength and resilience. Rochelle was born on January 29, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey, to her loving parents, Bernice and June Drummer. Her journey was marked by love, laughter, and an indomitable spirit that touched all who knew her. Rochelle's life was a testament to the power of love and the joy of living. She was a devoted wife to Gerald Mayes, with whom she shared a partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering support. Together, they created a beautiful family, raising their daughter, Ebony Kelsey Owens, who continues to carry forward her mother’s legacy of kindness and warmth. Rochelle's heart was as expansive as her radiant smile, and she found immense joy in being a grandmother to thirteen cherished grandchildren: Key Key, Mar Mar, Lil Chris, Bri, Ty, Chris, Kay Kay, Krissy, Kulthum, Ishmail, and Isha. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took great pleasure in watching them grow, guiding them with love and wisdom. Rochelle was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kay Kay, and we find solace in the thought that mother and son are now reunited in heaven, watching over those they left behind. A graduate of Barringer High School, Rochelle carried her love for learning and growth throughout her life. She had a zest for life that was contagious, and she found joy in the simple pleasures—dancing beneath the stars, savoring the beauty of the great outdoors, and relishing in laughter with family and friends. Her love for comedy and fun was a reflection of her vibrant spirit, and she had an uncanny ability to lift the spirits of those around her. Rochelle was the heart of her family, a sister to Jazzy, Kema, Keisha, Bernadette, and Mumbai, and a beloved aunt to several nieces and nephews. Her family was her pride and joy, and her warmth and generosity extended beyond her immediate circle, touching the lives of many. She was known for her beautiful smile that could brighten any room and her compassionate nature that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience, and she leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories that will be woven into the hearts of all who knew her. As we mourn Rochelle’s passing, we also celebrate her life—a life filled with love, laughter, and an enduring spirit that will continue to inspire us. May we honor her memory by living with the same grace, love, and joy that she exemplified every day. A celebration of Rochelle’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to remember a woman who was a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend to many. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy will forever guide us. Rest in peace, dear Rochelle. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished.