Rayn Alicia Worrell

Ms. Rayn Alicia Worrell departed this life on the morning of November 26, 2021. She was 70 years old. She was born as the 4th of four children to the late Graham and Olivia (Carey) Worrell, in New York City on December 7, 1950.

Rayn, affectionally known to family and friends as Bobbie, grew up in the Bedford – Stuyvesant, colloquially known as “Bed-Stuy,” neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, where her family resided at 560 Lexington Avenue, which was between Sumner Street & Lewis Street. You can say 560 Lexington Avenue was a “family affair.” 560 Lexington Avenue a multi-story, eight-unit apartment building where six of the units were occupied by family members. In addition to her parents and siblings, Rayn grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family later moved to the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, where they resided at 1246 St Johns Place, between Albany Avenue and Troy Avenue.

Rayn, was a product of the New York City Public School System attending, Public School 129 located on Quincy Street near Lewis Avenue, Junior High School 57, located on Stuyvesant Avenue, and Boys High School (now known as Boys and Girls High School) in Brooklyn, New York.

Upon graduating High School, Rayn worked at the local A&P Supermarket and then New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Rayn worked at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for many years until she relocated to Washington, DC with her oldest brother, the late Dr. Roger Worrell.

Growing up Rayn was always known as the quiet and shy one but very observant. This trait Rayn never outgrew. Rayn had a quiet and lovable spirt along with a witty sense of humor. Rayn loved music. Rayn especially loved Diana Ross and the Supremes along with all of the artists of the Motown era.

After moving to Washington, DC, Rayn was an active member of Transgender Health Empowerment (THE). An organization which provided life-saving direct services and harm reduction work to the Transgender Community in Washington, DC. The organization advocated for housing and social services for the Transgender community. Rayn provided outreach and advocacy for the agency. Rayn was known for her softness, love of people and most notably her ability to remain on an even keel and avoid problems. It was while working at the agency Rayn met her cherished companion of nearly two decades, Charles Daniel “Chucky.”

Rayn lived as she saw fit never dissuaded by detractors. She marched to the beat of her own drum. Even at the age of 70, life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.

Those left to cherish memories are three nieces, Reverend Dr. Katrina Worrell Ballard, Louise Worrell, Kiesha King and her spouse, Thomas King, a nephew, Jed Worrell and his spouse Lisa Worrell, two first cousins akin to surrogate sisters, Nadine Dabney and Renee Hull, her devoted companion, Charles Daniel, and a host of great-nieces & nephews, grand-nieces & nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Graham and Olivia Worrell, three brothers, Roger, Richard and John Worrell, two sister-in-law’s, Gertrude Worrell & Hazel Worrell, and her long-time pet, Boo-Boo the cat.