Raquel Carroll Russell, always a ray of sunshine, was born on September 17, 1970 in Winston-Salem, NC. After 53 years for our sweet Raquel, the sun set for her on November 3, 2023 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as "Rocky", she attended and graduated from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. She had variety of interests that included being a fan of Michael Jordan, NASCAR, and Jeff Gordon. She especially enjoyed Word Search puzzles, surfing the inter-net, The Hallmark Channel and The Golden Girls. Yellow, like sunflowers, was her favorite color. She was a shining light as a member of Eastside Church of Christ.

Raquel taught us to be kind, compassionate, considerate, and loving because that was what she knew. She taught us what real love was and the meaning of family. Raquel knew the birthday and phone number of every family member, made sure she called you on your special day and was excited to see her family when they arrived. Her heart knew nothing but love and she showed it.

Through Raquel we learned how important family pulling together is and that is exactly what we did when things got tough. Raquel will be missed, and we rejoice that she rests with our King Jesus. We would give anything to hear, "HEY CUZ", see that sweet smile once more and have her call just to check on you.

Among others, she was preceded in death by; her father, John Thomas Brown, Sr., uncle, Clark S. Brown, Jr., and aunt, Eloise Bonner.

Raquel is survived by her mother, Constance Russell; aunts, Jennette McGregor (her loving caretaker and coffee buddy) of the home, Barbara Abbott (Bobby) of Clinton, MD, and Gayle Young; siblings, Joya Brown and John Thomas Brown, Jr. (Jessica), of Winston-Salem, NC; a niece and three nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. Special recognition is given to caretakers: Venus Glenn, Scarlett Gailes, Ruth Glenn and Velvet McGregor.

Public viewing from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Service at 12:30 PM, Friday, November 10, 2023 at Eastside Church of Christ, 536 Barbara Jane Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. The family will receive friends thirty-minutes prior to service. Interment in New Evergreen Cemetery, 2124 New Walkertown Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

For a copy of funeral program click here