April "Rain" Washington

Celebrating the Life of April "Rain" Washington, August 6, 1999 - August 14, 2026

Rain, age 27, was never meant to fit neatly into anyone else’s idea of who she should be. She ventured beyond the ordinary, stepped confidently outside the mold, and became exactly who she wanted to be—a brilliant, artistic, free-spirited young woman who lived life in her own wonderfully creative way.

Named after the song “Purple Rain,” Rain seemed destined to bring color into the world. Purple was her favorite color, and she carried its boldness, beauty, and individuality with her throughout her life.

Rain graduated from Bearden High School in 2017. Her intelligence and hard work earned her numerous college scholarships, but she chose the University of South Carolina, where she pursued her passion for marine biology. Her love of the ocean was part of her deep connection to animals and the natural world.

A remarkably talented artist, Rain loved to paint and draw. Her creativity also found its way into fashion. After asking for a sewing machine for Christmas at an early age, she began designing and making her own clothing. Over the years, she created everything from her own prom dress to elaborate Fanboy, Comic Con, and Halloween costumes. Rain did not simply wear clothes—she transformed them into expressions of her imagination and personality.

She was an enthusiastic reader who could easily make her way through a good book in a single day. She loved nature and treasured the freedom of adventure. She might head to the mountains or drive to the ocean on a whim, following wherever her independent spirit led her.

Above all else, Rain loved her sissy, Sayde. From the moment she learned that Moma was having a baby girl, Rain was overjoyed. Rain and Sayde shared a beautiful bond and grew to become not only sisters, but also best friends. Their love for one another was one of the brightest and most precious parts of Rain’s life.

Rain is survived by her mother, April Radloff Campbell; her beloved Papa Bear, Scott Campbell; her sister and best friend, Sayde Lakyn Campbell; and her brother, Austin Washington.

She is also survived by her grandparents, Sharon Reeves Long and Bill Long, Roy and Barb Radloff, Gail and Jr. Daugherty, her great-grandparents; Earlene (Delmar) Wright, and Odas (Faye) Reeves; her special aunt Melanie Mills (Raymond), and uncles; Bob Stewart, Brandon (Lisa) Reeves, Bobby Campbell; and cousins; Blake Walters, Caitlyn Campbell, Becky (Carlton) Hunter, and Jason (Tracey) Crisp, Hunter Crisp, and Eric Reeves. Several second cousins and extended family members who were very special to her.

Rain was preceded in death by her special aunt; Gay Reeves Stewart; and her special uncle, Greg Reeves, her father, and paternal grandfather. Her family finds comfort in knowing that those heavenly loved ones now have the joy of being with her for a while, until the day everyone is together again. Heaven surely became a little more creative, a little more spirited, and a much brighter shade of purple when she arrived.

Rain was far too imaginative to live between the lines and far too free to follow an ordinary path. She was intelligent, talented, compassionate, adventurous, and entirely herself. Her family will forever miss her spirit, her spunk, and the beautiful color she brought into their lives.

Animals held a special place in Rain’s heart, particularly her beloved cats and, most especially, “Juno”. Her compassion for animals was evident even in the way she celebrated her birthdays. At a very young age, rather than receiving presents on her birthday, Rain asked her family and friends to donate to Young-Williams Animal Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rain’s memory to:

Young-Williams Animal Center 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919 Online donations: young-williams.org/support/one-time online donation page

Water Conservation

https://harpethconservancy.org/donate/

The family will hold a private service. They are deeply grateful for the many friends and family members who have reached out with kind words, thoughtful gestures, prayers, and acts of love. Every expression of sympathy has been felt and sincerely appreciated.