Obituary

Florence A. Burrell was born in Gurdon, AR on July 25, 1942, to the late John A. Barnes and Lucille E. Barnes. She was the eldest of two children. Her sister Cecelia Barnes James also proceeded her in death. Florence received her education from Cleveland Public Schools and was a graduate of East High School. She met and married Samuel Burrell on July 4, 1973, to this union one son Johnathan Burrell was born. Florence professed her belief in Christ at an early age. She became a member of Temple Baptist Church where she was a faithful and dedicated member for 62 years. She was a member of the choir and the Usher board. She had a great love for her Pastor and church family. Florence loved her family and was a great supporter of her son Jonathan who was a track sensation. As the mother of the blazing track star, she became the track and field mother of many rising stars. Her illuminating smile, gentle touch, countless hours of travel, and caring nature made her the perfect example as the mother of Track and Field. She also supported and traveled with the BFN Family Reunion Club from its beginning in 1983. She was ready to lend a helping hand to family in any way that she could. She had a special closeness with her cousin Carolyn. The family called them: running buddies” they were always together until Carolyn’s illness and even then, she was faithful to check on her. She shared a tight knit sisterly bond with her God Sisters, that was anchored around her late mother.

Florence was a member of the Nationally known “Red Hatters” where she enjoyed lasting friendships with likeminded women who had a fun-filled passion, and a zest of life. Her dedication to whatever she put her heart and mind to be a success. Florence’s work history included working as an Elevator Operator Downtown Cleveland at the Higbee Building where she met various celebrities. She worked for General Electric for a numerous of years. She was then employed at the Ford Motor Company where she began working July 12, 1976, she became part of the Ford Motor family. She worked at Ford until her health declined, she retired in January of 2006. Florence had an eye for fashion and dress which was instilled in her by her father. She will be missed by her family and friends for her loving and caring ways, her generosity and hospitality her doors were always open. She leaves to cherish her memory; a loving and devoted son Johnathan Burrell (Sonyette), Cleveland, Ohio; one daughter Melonee Ferguson(Larry) Orlando, FL; two aunts Judith Rhodes (Sylvester) of Omaha Nebraska; Shirley Robinson (Frank) of Cleveland, Ohio; two uncles James Richardson, Frank Robinson; two sister-in-law’s; Ida Stringer of Cleveland, Ohio; Helen Stringer of LA, California; three grandchildren; Johnathan, Taylorblair, and Maveric; her play sister’s Carolyn, Minnie, Lucille. Valerie, Kathy, Chris, and Priscilla. She also has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly submitted-The Family