April 5, 1954 – November 7, 2005
On April 5, 1954, Shirley and Edgar Burnett bore their first child, Rochelle Allyson Burnett. Born in St. Louis, she was soon joined by two sisters, Karol Ann and Sharon Wray. In childhood, Rochelle became affectionately known as “Shell.”
Shell was a quiet child who demonstrated a love for reading. She was such an obedient child, her sisters affectionately berated her for not “paving the way” for them because she never pushed the limits.
In 1962, her family joined St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorate of the Rev. James H. Oxley. Shell and her sisters were baptized in 1964.
Her singing ability was apparent at an early age. That wonderful soprano voice developed throughout her childhood and prepared her for the music ministry. Under the guidance of her Granny Virgie, Shell carried the lead for the Burnett Sisters, three little girls who sang at various churches.
Shell excelled academically and attended the St. Louis Public Schools until the family moved to University City in 1969. Shell was a “straight A” student and was an active member of the Concert Choir, Gospel Chorus and Student Government. One of her University City High School highlights came when she was chosen to play the lead roles in the school’s fall and spring stage plays. She graduated in 1971 with a 4.0 average.
She received a full academic scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C. Shell quickly adapted to campus living and formed friendships that would carry her throughout her life.
Majoring in French, Shell graduated Summa Cum Laude from Howard University in 1975. Her desire was to work as an interpreter for the United Nations. Unable to find a position there, she returned to St. Louis and attended Washington University School of Law. She graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1980.
Shell’s life journey led her to Cleveland, Ohio, where she assumed the position of Law Clerk in Cuyahoga County’s Public Defenders Office. She became an attorney in November 1981. In 1994, she was promoted to Senior Attorney. In 2000, Shell was promoted to Lead Attorney, supervising a team of attorneys.
She served on the Board of the Harambee House; however, her greatest loves were her church and her sorority. Under the pastorate of Rev. Wesley Reid, she joined Lee Memorial A.M.E. church where she faithfully served as a choir member and was appointed a trustee. While in St. Louis, Shell joined the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. in 1976. Upon her relocation to Cleveland, she immediately affiliated with the Cleveland chapter. Her nieces and nephews were a source of love and pride and were her “children.”
On Monday, November 7, 2005, God called his faithful servant home. She will lovingly live on in the lives of her father, Edgar; her sisters, Karol Burnett-Quick (Fred) and S. Wray Clay (Herb); her nephews and nieces Brandon, Justin Cameron, Jihan and Lauren; her grandmother Virgie Burnett; her aunt Sylvia Price; her uncle Orthel Littles (Betty); her cousins, relatives; and friends in St. Louis and Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother, Shirley Burnett, preceded her in death.