Diana Brooke Culliton

Diana Brooke Culliton, (known as “Brooke” to family and friends); lost her battle with mental illness on October 26, 2023. Brooke was a life-long animal lover and advocate that decided to dedicate her life to the medical care of animals early on. Upon graduating from Manchester High School, she attended the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, then went on to attend Blue Ridge Community College where she received her Associate degree in Applied Science with a Major in Veterinary Technology. Brooke worked her entire career as a licensed Veterinary Technician, and volunteered her free time working at various branches of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) as well as the Richmond Animal League (RAL). Despite her personal struggles and busy schedule, she also spent time helping local homeless communities by providing water, food, clothes, and blankets to those in need. Brooke’s passion to help animals was a deeply held commitment throughout her life and resulted in countless animal rescues. She found homes for many cats and dogs throughout the years, many times in her own home. While Brooke had multiple animals throughout her life, three dogs were her favorites: BeBe, Nikki (AKA “Nik Nack Patty Whack”), and Seoul (AKA “Seoul Train” or “Seoulie”), two of which had “crossed the rainbow bridge” prior to her death. Seoul – a beautiful black Lab mix – became Brooke’s therapy dog and was dedicated to her until the very end. Brooke was an intelligent young woman with a good heart, that was often times “the life of the party”. She had a strong desire to overcome the obstacles her mental illness placed in her path, but sadly was unable to find the success she sought – leaving her with regrets for her actions toward others that were not aware of or did not understand her illness. However, she was mainly a “free spirit” with an artistic soul, that enjoyed painting, music, and spending time with her family at annual family reunions in the mountains of Southwest Virginia (in a small town named Allisonia), as well as family trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She especially enjoyed traveling to various beach destinations with her favorite traveling partner, her grandmother - affectionately known as “The Nana”. Brooke also enjoyed hiking along the James River with destinations of Texas Beach and Pony Pasture. Brooke was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Velma Mitchell Hayes (“The Nana”), and step grandfather, Patrick Hayes (“Pop Pop”); her paternal grandfather, Sammie Culliton (“Pa”), and paternal grandmother, Ruby Culliton (Granny). Brooke is survived by her mother, Sharon Baker-Holdsworth, her father, Ted A. Culliton and his wife, Karen; her brother Brandon A. Culliton, his wife Brien, and their daughters Ruby Ann and PepperMae; her maternal grandfather, Billy S. Baker, her Auntie Sheila Baker Coffield and her husband, Matthew; Nita Braswell and her husband Donnie; Rhonda Culliton and her husband, Jay; as well as great aunts, uncles, many cousins, and beloved friends. As requested by Brooke, her remains were cremated during a small, private ceremony. A gathering to celebrate her life will take place sometime in spring of 2024. For those wishing to make memorials in Brooke’s name, the family asks they be made to the Capital Area Rescue Effort, Inc (CARE Rescue), PO Box 575, Sandston, VA 23150.  https://www.carerva.com/ Condolences may be registered at ealvinsmall.com