The Life & Legacy of Raychel Felicia Brown Sunrise: October 18, 1966 Sunset: April 6, 2020
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3:18
A beautiful angel was granted her wings on Monday, April 6, 2020 when Ms. Raychel F. Brown unexpectedly left this earth. Born October 18, 1966 to the union of Mrs. JoAnn Slaughter Melvin and the late Mr. Jefferson Brown Jr, Raychel was a welcomed blessing. Rooted in Christian spirituality and values, at an early age she came to Christ and joined Greater St. Phillips I.A.M.E. Church.
Raychel graduated from Valdosta High School in 1984. She continued her academic pursuits at Valdosta Technical College receiving an associate degree in Business and Office occupations. Utilizing her many talents with computers, graphic design and office management, Raychel embarked upon an administrative career with the Valdosta City School System. She served over 30 years as an administrative assistant at J. L. Lomax Elementary School. Loved by the students and respected by her peers, Raychel received many accolades and awards. In May 2018, Raychel was chosen as a CATS (Continuous Acts of Kindness through Teamwork and Service) Award nominee by J. L. Lomax as well as chosen one of the top three nominees for Valdosta City Schools.
Raychel was preceded in death by her: father, Jefferson Brown; beloved sister, Ms. Tracey Slaughter; younger brother, Mr. Dyron Riley; maternal grandparents, Mr. Wilbert Slaughter, Sr. and Bertha Slaughter, paternal grandparents, Mr. Jefferson Brown, Sr. and Agnes Brown; and aunt, Mrs. Rosetta Brown Johnson.
Family was extremely important to Raychel and she was unselfish with her love and time. Raychel is survived by her Mother, Mrs. JoAnn Melvin (Valdosta, GA); Siblings – Ms. Valencia A. Johnson (Valdosta, GA), Ms. Mia R. Hixon (Winterville, NC), Ms. Maya H. Brown (West New York, NJ), and Dr. Fadwa D. Brown (Douglasville, GA); Uncles and Aunts – A very special uncle Mr. Wilbert Slaughter, Jr. aka “June Bug” (Valdosta, GA); Hazel Roberson (Valdosta, GA); Mrs. Lorrine Coppin (San Dimas, CA); Mr. Ronnie Brown (Sweden); and Great-aunt, Mrs. Mabel Hezekiah (Valdosta, GA);Nieces and Nephews – Jason, Zsashane, Jared, Jessica, Joanie, Trey, Jasmine and Jayden; Special Nephews – Jason Melvin, Jr. and Sha’Mir Roberts; Devoted Cousins – Mytrice Gray, Debra Thomas, Megan Hensley, Tan Hardy and Sheena Thomas; Special Friends – Lavoris Baker, Charlotte Brown, and Lynn Evans; She also leaves a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.
Raychel’s bright, beautiful light was dimmed too soon. We will forever love and remember her.
The family extends special thanks to Valdosta City Schools, the staff of Rai Care Dialysis Center and Pastor Elsie Napier.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
A private home going celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 2PM. Tune into our website and select the live stream option or tune into our Facebook page at 2PM on Saturday to be a part of our precious cousin home going celebration. Continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
I remember our days driving to and from Valdosta Tech everyday and going to class. A very sweet person. With deepest sympathy. Cynthia Hankins-Hatcher
Ms.Brown I met you some 26 years ago, my Marcus began Kindergarten at Lomax~Pinevale Elementary. When we walked in the door for the first time, I felt a warmth;little did I know it was floating out of the office where YOU held everything & everybody down! A few years later, 2000 to be exact, I became an employee at YOUR school. By then I had a second grader there too. The rest is history in a sense....too much to tell. Our LAST time (on this side) was just one year ago. We (two BEAUTIFUL QUEENS) adorned in black dress attire, sporting a BEAUTIFUL, BLACK CAMARO...made our way to Morningstar.... Perhaps now you & Jennifer can WALK & TALK together, reminisce about how you both loved & laughed, how you GAVE so selflessly of yourselves & I pray that you both felt just how much you were, is now & always will be LOVED! Yet in light of it all, it really doesn't matter now because YOUR SOULS ARE RESTING IN THE BOSOM OF JESUS CHRIST!
Raychel!! I still remember Our Jeff Brown days, South St., the classes we took together, the same home room and laughter, we graduated together, all the way from Elementary. One of my biggest fans during my sports years. Your Beautiful and kind spirit will be with me always. You gave your heart to so many and I have no doubt that you are resting well. You will be missed by all who encountered you. Your big smile and soft spoken voice!!! I Love You not just a my Cousin but my Sister. You finished the race Sis!! Rest Well.
Veronica Baker-
Raychel was my bosom buddy. Always helping me with my paperwork. My good friend. I called her she called me. We were always there for each other. Raychel you will truly be missed. Sandy Jean
My love! You are so special. You were always one of the first faces I would see when visiting Valdosta. Coming just will not be the same. We'd always cry when it was time for me to go back home. You will not get a chance to meet Monte, but now you can visit him in his dreams. I love you cousin and will continue to think of you often. Kiss all of the fam for me!! Meg
Brown and I traveled down many paths together. You were always so thoughtful. I know Ken will miss making your favorite noodles. He never forgot to make extra just for you. With all our love, The Davis Family.
Raychel, you got your wings and left us behind. However, memories will remain in our hearts and you will constantly be on our minds. Thanks be to God for the mark you made in my life. May you rest in peace and I'll see you later. Barbara Crossgrow
My dear friend, former coworker. I will never forget you. We have so many memories from the past. Didn't know that the week before you passed wa me going to be our last conversation. You've allowed me be a friend as you were to be. I will continue this watch out for Sha'mir. I will cherish our memories. This is really hard. My prayers to your family from my family. A mutual love we also shared your cousin and my stepdaughter Tan Hardy. RIP my sweet friend and always Billy & Brenda Hardy and Family
Raychel Brown , I will never forget you. I will miss the laughter we had and our venting moments. Girl we had some good times together all the way back to Besty. I love you and you will forever be in my heart. Good night my dear friend. Sleep in Peace. Love you, In your voice..Volencia Lynn
Raychel, I will always remember our talks and the tons of laughter we shared. Thanks for always being such a wonderful person and friend to me. Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord! Love you, Tesha Larkins
Ms.Brown you will be deeply missed.My prayers are with your family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.