Brooke Raines "Sunshine"

A special service to honor Brooke's life will be held Saturday May 15, 10:30 AM at the Colleyville First United Methodist Church, 5601 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, TX 76034, (817-281-5254). Brooke requested that no one wear dark clothing to the services. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts Brooke has requested that a donation is made to the Children's Tumor Foundation @ www.ctf.org to help fund continued research and cure for Neurofibromatosis. The family will receive friends Friday May 14, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home Hurst, 1321 Precinct Line Road in Hurst Texas. Brooke was born to the late Elvoy Raines, her father and loving mother Deborah E Raines at 7:30 pm on "Halloween Night" October 31, 1979 at the George Washington Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. Brooke always remarked that it wasn't until her 8th or 9th birthday that she realized all these people in costumes weren't celebrating her birthday! Raised by her wonderful mother Deborah, a US Airways employee, they shared such great times together in the DC area picnicking, biking, great school programs and weekend plane trips to various cities. Her mom was transferred to Winston-Salem, NC in 1988 where Brooke completed her elementary education and went on to attend West Forsyth H.S. in Clemmons. In 1992 her mother and stepfather Tony Rossi married and the family moved into their new home in Lewisville, NC. In 1995 Mentor, Ohio became the next family destination; Brooke attended Mentor HS participating on the track team, member of the Spanish club, President of the Law club and faced with all her difficulties she managed to graduate with honors in 1997. She entered and completed her first year of college at Kent State University, during this period the family relocated back to Mooresville, NC. North Richland Hills, TX became the family's new and present address in 2000. Brooke tried to continue her college studies attending the University of North Texas in Denton, TX but with failing health could only manage part way. Always the ferocious reader, Star Wars nut, Jeopardy "know it all," poet, killer at scrabble and jokester, Brooke could also be called upon in a moments notice to recite Bible verses and special prayers she had written. Her favorite books, those dealing with mythology or science fiction, inspired her to write a novel. With over 11 chapters complete some of her "special cousins" and family will try to complete the book and publish it in her honor. Brooke has touched so many people in her life and always remarked about the friends and acquaintances she has made over the years, so many whom are still so close to her. Many of the medical team members in several states still communicate with her, the family and send blessings. Family members and friends from all levels of her schooling continue to visit and make her day just a bit easier. The family is surrounded by the love and ministry of their blessed church family, ministers and support groups at Colleyville First United Methodist Church, whose compassion over the years cannot be measured in a mere thank you. Brooke wants you all to know that this was her greatest love, having been surrounded by people like you. To honor her Brooke's memory she asks that any memorial gift or contribution be forwarded to the Children's Tumor Foundation to help fund and find a cure for others afflicted with Neurofibromatosis. www.ctf.org Brooke is survived by her sweet and loving mom, Deborah E. Rossi, her stepfather "Staddy" Anthony L. Rossi, her Grandparents and many beloved Aunts, Uncles wonderfully close cousins and cherished friends. She will be missed by ALL who knew her! To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brooke Raines "Sunshine" please visit our Sympathy Store.