Eleanor Rochelle Stone

Eleanor Rochelle Stone was a woman of surprising impact, in spite of the many physical and mental handicaps she bore. Rochelle stepped into this world on December 1, 1988, with a winning smile and a heart defect. After a few days of peace, life began to hit hard in the form of several near death experiences and severe brain damage. From there, Rochelle showed the world her true colors. It is said that people are like unlabeled cans in the supermarket; you can only know the contents when they’re put under pressure. The pressure of these obstacles only afforded Rochelle the opportunity of years to become a living example of iron strength, unshakable tenacity and surprising joy. Rochelle’s giggle would bubble out at the most unexpected times. Her sense of humor remained unimpeded by a lack of verbal language; facial expressions and actions sufficed to keep her brothers laughing for years afterward. She drew gentleness from rough hands. She took the most jaded sections of the human heart and watered them into friable gardens of compassion. She created in all who came into contact with her a deep desire to become the very best versions of themselves. One can only imagine, if Rochelle had accomplished all of this while unable to walk, speak or formulate any amount of complex thought or communication beyond that of a nine month old, just what virtues she will inspire in her new, whole, glorified body that the Lord has prepared for her in Glory. The finish line of her 26 year fight she achieved on the evening of January 29. She was surrounded by friends and family who sang hymns to her until their voices faded into the melody of angel song in her ears. At last, she can rest from her lifelong battle, knowing that she fought to the fullest and rescued many along the way. The grief felt by her loved ones is not the desperate dejection of the hopeless, but simply the labor pains of the birth of the new Rochelle.

Rochelle is survived by her father and mother, Rick and Cindy Stone of Eustace, TX, her brother Justin, his wife Lauren, and their children Sadie, Titus and Eli of The Woodlands, TX, her brother Chuck, his wife Monica, and their son RedIron of Eustace, TX, and her loving caretaker Krystal Murrah of Tyler, TX. She is the niece of the late Dr. Bill and Gayle Streckert of Tyler, TX, of Doug Streckert of Brownwood, TX, of John and Shirley Stone of Brownwood, TX, and of Cindy and Paul Jamar of Mountain View, MO, formerly of Brownwood Texas. She is the granddaughter of the late Bill and Eleanor Streckert of Brownwood, TX, and of the late Bobbie and Dr. Fred Spencer also of Brownwood, TX.