Raquel Maria DeSousa

In Loving Memory of Raquel DeSousa

July 30, 1988 – September 25, 2025

With deep love and faith, we celebrate the beautiful life of Raquel DeSousa, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Raquel was born on July 30, 1988, at Cherry Point Hospital in Havelock, North Carolina. From a young age, Raquel lived a life rooted in faith, family, and joy. She dedicated her life first and foremost to Christ our Lord, and poured her heart into loving and caring for her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband Clovis DeSousa, and their two precious sons, Cristiano (8) and Rafael (6), who were the light of her life. Raquel cherished every moment with her boys-whether crafting together, organizing their home with love, or filling the house with song.

Raquel had a beautiful gift for singing and a heart for worship. She loved lifting her voice to praise the Lord, whether at home, in church, or serving joyfully on the worship team. Worship was her refuge and her joy, and through her songs she shared her deep love for Jesus with everyone around her.

Raquel was preceded in death by her grandparents Herminio and Augustina Arredondo (paternal) and Elida Basilia Delgado and Leovejildo Perdomo (maternal).

She is lovingly remembered by her parents Mario and Mariza Arredondo, and by her three sisters:

Angelica Maritza Verville (Andy) and their children Austin, Jack, and Alexandra

Adriana Marie Gibbs (Heath) and their children Heath Jr., Aiden, Liliana, and Alora

Natalia Soraida Culley (Craig) and their children Nicholas and Vincent

Raquel's vibrant spirit shone brightly throughout her life. She sang in the school chorus, played softball, marched proudly with the Havelock High School band, and was in the JROTC.

After graduating high school, Raquel attended Craven Community College in Havelock and eventually moved to Florida with her best friend since childhood, Elizabeth (Ostrom) Blankenship. While in Florida, she met the love of her life, Clovis, and started her career working for Capital One Bank. Their support throughout her journey meant so much to her and her family.

In October 2022, Raquel received her cancer diagnosis. With incredible strength, unwavering faith, and radiant hope, she fought valiantly, inspiring all who knew her. Her favorite reminder to those around her was:

"You've got this. We've got this. God's got this."

Raquel's life was a shining testimony of God's love. She brought sunshine to every room, made people smile with ease, and never missed a chance to share her faith. Today, we rejoice knowing she is singing and dancing in Heaven, wrapped in the eternal love of our Lord.

To honor Raquel's vibrant spirit, we invite everyone to celebrate her life by wearing yellow, sunflowers, or bright and joyful colors-a reflection of the light she shared with the world.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on:

October 4th at 1:00 PM

Oak Grove Methodist Church, 3070 Adams Creek Rd, Havelock, NC 28532

A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raquel's GoFundMe to help support the family: https://gofund.me/2bbcb38b

Raquel's legacy of faith, love, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.