Raymond Brackens Jr.

Raymond Brackens Jr., a true New Orleans native born a “Big Easy Baby” entered this world on January 14, 1947. Affectionately known as Junie, he carried his nickname with the same personality he carried through life: bold, unforgettable, and uniquely his own. Raymond was born to the late Raymond Brackens Sr. and Tumertha Mae (White) Brackens, whose guidance shaped the foundation of his life. His mother's strength, faith, and dedication to family were instilled in him from an early age and remained with him throughout his journey. As the firstborn of six siblings, Raymond stepped into responsibility early, long before he fully understood what it meant.

As his mother’s family grew and more siblings filled the home, Raymond naturally became the steady hand in the house. He was the iron fist when discipline was needed, the shield when protection was required, and the quiet provider when things felt uncertain. Although he was firm, his strength was rooted in love. He believed family was sacred, and he carried that belief along the way.

Raymond shared life with his siblings: three brothers Leroy Brackens (preceded him in death), Corenza Brackens, and Steve Brackens; and three sisters Patricia Brackens (preceded him in death), Brenda Brackens-Jenkins, and Delma Brackens. Whether through laughter, disagreements, long talks, or life lessons, those bonds helped shape the man he became.

As a young man, Raymond gave his life to Christ at the altar of Pure Light Missionary Baptist Church, planting seeds of faith that would quietly follow him even when life took unexpected turns. And Raymond’s life had many chapters.

In his early years, he worked at Al Scramuzza Seafood City, learning that honest work builds character. But music called his name louder than anything else. He worked in record shops, sang in local nightclubs, and chased the rhythm of a dream. He recorded music and developed a song inspired by “Carnival Time,” determined to leave his mark on the culture of the city he loved. Amongst a few other songs created by Raymond.

That dream blossomed into entrepreneurship when he opened Ray’s Accident, a record shop that became more than a record store, it became a gathering place. Raymond later expanded to a second location, hosting record signings and welcoming city dignitaries, music lovers, and rising stars. If you knew Raymond, you know he didn’t just sell records he sold energy, conversation, and presence. He had a way of making a room feel like it was his room.

It was during this season of growth and business that Raymond met Cheryl Ann Brackens (preceded him in death). She was his type. She had just enough spunk, youthfulness, and grit to catch his attention and hold it. She could stand her ground, speak her mind. Raymond admired strength, and she had it.

He wasn’t a man of many soft words, but he showed love in the way he knew best: through consistency, protection, and provision. When he chose her, he chose her fully. In time, she became his wife and the great love of his life. She stood beside him with unwavering devotion until her final breath.

Raymond loved deeply, even if he didn’t always say it out loud. He worked hard, provided faithfully, and carried the weight of responsibility for his family without complaint. To him, love wasn’t just a feeling it was action. This was his feelings until his last breath.

After music and marriage, Raymond found yet another lane: fashion. He stepped into menswear with the same confidence he brought to music. As a stylist and salesman, he perfected his dapper reputation. Suits weren’t just clothing to him they were armor, expression, and statement. He believed a man should look as sharp as his mind.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Velray “Poopsie” Brackens, and his cherished wife, Cheryl Ann Brackens. He leaves behind his devoted son, Raymond Dominic Brackens, who carries forward his name and legacy.

Though Raymond could be stern and carried himself with authority, those who truly knew him understood that he was a gentle giant. You just had to earn your way in. And once you did, you discovered loyalty, humor, wisdom, and a heart that loved more than he sometimes showed.

On February 1, 2026, Raymond transitioned peacefully at Ochsner Hospital. In his final hours, something sacred unfolded.

Raymond leaves cherished memories to his devoted son, Raymond Dominic Brackens; his siblings, Corenza Brackens, Steve Brackens, Brenda Brackens-Jenkins, and Delma Brackens; along with his nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, his beloved great-aunts, and a host of long-term dear friends whose lives were forever marked by his presence. Though some preceded him in rest, including his mother and father Raymond Brackens Sr. and Tumertha Mae (White) Brackens, siblings Leroy Brackens and Patricia Brackens, their bonds remain eternal.

A Final Reflection

In what felt like the blink of an eye,God whispered softly, “Now you see.”At the edge of time, where heaven draws near,Understanding replaced every fear.In the final hour, grace stepped in—And what looked like the endBecame a quiet, holy beginning.

Raymond’s life reminds us that God is never finished with us not in our youth, not in our middle years, and not even in our final breath.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

May we remember that God softens hearts, restores what was hardened, and teaches us compassion when we least expect it. His forgiveness is real. His mercy is new every morning. And His love reaches us even at the final hour.

Raymond Brackens Jr. lived boldly, loved through action, provided faithfully, and in the end, understood life in a way only eternity can reveal.