FOCUSSPOTLIGHT
Layla Keeler Drawdy The Doll Who Does It All INTERVIEW BY CHERYL JOHNSTON
Plant City native Layla Keeler Drawdy grew up as a self-described childhood “tomboy” in the “wonderful Cork area” across Thonotosassa Road from the old Branch Ranch Restaurant. She recalls being “barefoot and dirty, roaming wild and free, just taking in the country—out when the sun came up and in just before dark.” Layla is thankful to have been “raised with hard working Christian values by a collection of amazing people.” In sharing her story, she offered, “I’ve tried to learn from or use a little something from each in some way. I’m not perfect—never have been, never will be—but I am me and I’m happy with that. I’m still a work under construction.” And the local fundraising phenom—who, “because of God’s grace,” considers herself “a survivor, giver, helper, and healer”—cherishes Plant City because “we’re a huge family. We all basically know each other and come together swiftly when someone is in need.” Focus: Tell us about your childhood family. I was born at MacDill AFB, March 12, 1976 to Linda Turner and Gary Keeler. I grew up with LOTS of family because Mom married Randy Carlisle when I was 13 months old and Dad married Dori Lambert (now Knight), my “second mom” around
the same time. My dad is a local musician/celebrity with a career in the flooring business. He’s always been a superstar in my book and is truly my rock here on Earth. My mother retired from medical billing office management, but she was a great stay-at-home mom most of my younger years. She taught me to PAGE
45