Dorian LaVelle Quarles

This page is dedicated to Dorian Quarles, my brother. I never knew I would have to honor his memory in this way especially so soon but I believe it’s important that I do so in any and every way that I can as I move throughout my life and career. I believe that his death cannot be held in vain and no matter how unfortunate and sad it has been, I continue to honor his life and spread positivity, love and healing in memory of his life.

Dorian was not just my brother, but a father, son, friend, classmate and most importantly a child a of god. He was a light to so many that miss him every single day. He could get under your skin and make you laugh all at the same time. He was the life of the party, always ready to try something new and he was sure to drag you along regardless. He always had new ideas and wasn’t sacred to explore them. Dorian was adventurous, fun and personable. He valued authenticity and true connections and that he had a lot of.

He was the oldest of seven children and first grandchild. Dorian grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where he was a familiar face to so many. He loved a good barbeque in the summer. So much so that when he felt the day was right- he would buy all the food and drinks, bring the party with him- all to realize at the end of it, you cooked and hosted the whole thing. He was charming to say the least. If you didnt know him, shortly after meeting him, he was inevitably your familiar friend. He was rough around the edges but had a big heart that filtered through all his tough love and jokes.

He was the only life guard I know that taught his kids to swim by throwing them in the deep end first. And at the same time I can say, he was the “fun dad” spending as much time as he could with his kids. The sun was his source of life, he spent every moment he could underneath it with his kids by his side. Dorian was an aspiring cosmetologist, valuing the joy people felt when they looked their best. He was dedicated, hard working, and a creative in his work. He had so many layers to his personality and held so many different trades. He had his CDL, which lead to exploring the east and west coast- eating good food, engaging in new experiences and meeting several new people. Dorians life was eventful, full of experience and definitely one I won’t forget.

On March 19th, 2023, Dorian’s life ended. This day was one that changed many lives forever.

Speaking for myself, It has been such a journey. To this moment, I cannot put it into the right words. But what I can say is that I have learn so much since Dorian passed away. One of the most noteworthy lessons I have learned is theres never a better time to heal than right now. Theres nothing in the world- no excuse or rationalization that would excuse today being the best time to heal. We all need healing and life is too short for it to feel so heavy.

My grief has influenced me to not only heal but to provide healing on a deeper level. Second Bloom is dedicated to my lost brother, a soul that yearned all it deserved in this life but didn’t have the tools soon enough. For those who knew Dorian, for those who didn’t, and everyone in between, healing is here for you.