Brian Christopher Burrell

Brian Christopher Burrell was born on in Alexandria, VA on February 23, 1986 to Mary Burrell Gaines and Floyd Allen, Jr. and the stepson of the late Leo C. Gaines, He was always a happy child, and he loved everybody, especially his cousins. His presence and his smile could brighten up any room. Early Sunday morning, September 20, 2009, God called Brian home.

Brian joined the Good Hope Baptist Church on October 1, 1995 and sang on the Junior Choir. He attended schools in Fairfax County and Essex County, VA

Brian and his mother had a very strong bond and loving relationship. He was very protective of her and wanted to give her the world. After the passing of her husband, he vowed to make something out of his life and make her proud of him. He would tell everybody about how much he loves his "Momma" and showered her everyday with hugs and kisses.

He left her this note on her bathroom mirror in July..."Good morning Mom, sorry I wasn't up with you last night to keep you company. I was just tired and I have a lot on my mind. Mom you are on my mind an awful lot. Because it's you and I now, and you are all I have in this world and I will continue to say I love you every day because I mean it. You show me the most love and I'm still tryna learn how to show you that my words can't express my thanks, but I will continue to show my appreciation. Mom, I love you with all my heart and I need you in my life. Without you, there is no me. Please believe me when I say every day that I LOVE YOU"!

On July 14, 2008, Brian left for the Woodstock Job Corps Center in Woodstock, MD. He decided that he wanted to be a welder, but first he had to study for his GED. In the first three months, Brian obtained his GED and by June 2009, he earned three welding certifications. At the Job Corps Center, he was recognized on several occasions and received awards and certificates for Student of the Month in Math, GED, and Welding. He also received the Certificate of Merit for outstanding performance and received a monetary award each time. He was so excited about his accomplishments and expressed how good it felt to be recognized for doing well. Since his return from Job Corps, he was accepted at the International Diver's Academy in Erial, NJ to learn underwater welding. He was due to start classes on October 5, 2009. His dream was to finish his underwater welding classes in five months and enlist in the Armed Services where he could utilize his welding skills on ships or air planes.

Brian has many cousins that he loved and cherished, but he was especially close to April, Buddy, Shanai (Nay), Maranda (Ran), Dustin (Duddy), Donna (Donnie Man), Jennifer, Travis, Brenda and Kevin. They all looked forward to Brian coming to visit or just riding through to check on them. The first stop he made when he came home on weekends from the Job Corps was at "Aunt Paul's", where he always knew she would be happy to see him.

He leaves to mourn with cherished memories, his mother, Mary B. Gaines, Hustle, VA; his father, Floyd Allen, Jr., Clinton, MD; two brothers, Floyd A. Allen and Shane L. Allen, Alexandria, VA; a Grandmother, Mary J. Burrell; Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, his special friend, Alisha Jones; a special Job Corps class mate Beverly, and his very special Aunt and other Mom, Aunt Paulette and many other family members and friends.

Though his smile is gone forever and his hands we cannot touch,
We have many memories of the one we loved so much.
His memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part.
God has him in His keeping; we have him in our hearts.

Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family



Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535