Coreen Lynette Shinaul, later known as Kharinne Courtenay Shinaul, was born on December 12, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Margaret Drake-Shinaul and Sylvester Shinaul Sr. She was the second of eight children in a devout Seventh-day Adventist family.

Kharinne graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1968 and attended Cuyahoga Community College and Atlantic Union College but did not complete her degree. She worked at various banks and brokerage firms before embarking on a meaningful career dedicated to education, storytelling, and ministry.

She was married three times: first to Bernard Boykin, with whom she had her daughter, Michelle; later to Raymond Allen Frazier; and finally to Berry Lee Billington, to whom she was married until his passing in 2018.

In 1993, Kharinne founded The Talking Book Company, an initiative to educate children on Black History through storytelling. Her work enriched history curricula and fostered inclusion. Over 15 years, she taught Conflict Resolution, African and Multi-Cultural History, and Introductory Swahili in Ohio and Michigan schools. She also wrote and copyrighted all her programs’ content.

As an accomplished storyteller, Kharinne was President of the Western Reserve Association for the Perpetuation and Preservation of Storytelling (W.R.A.P.P.S.) and a member of the Cleveland Association of Black Story Tellers (C.A.B.S.). In 1994, she earned the title of Professional Storyteller, followed by Master Storyteller in 1996. In 1999, she performed at an International Storyteller Festival in Ghana, gaining recognition as an International Storyteller. To date, she holds the record for the largest solo performer audience at the Cleveland Metroparks. With the support of her cousin, Harold Palmer, she produced three successful storytelling CDs.

In 2012, Kharinne founded The Women of Acceptance, a self-help group that became a legally registered non-profit in Ohio. It provided a safe, judgment-free sisterhood for women of all backgrounds.

Her deep faith led her to serve as Women’s Ministry Director at Southeast Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2016. She renamed the ministry Hannah, emphasizing hands-on service over financial contributions alone. Under her leadership, Hannah’s Ministry achieved financial independence, expanded its outreach, and successfully ran a privately funded Toys-for-Tots program. Her Father’s Day luncheons, particularly “Big Mama’s House,” became highly anticipated events.

Encouraged by Keith Dixon, Kharinne joined the Southeast Usher Board, serving for nearly five years before moving to Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she remained an usher until her passing. Her final wish was to be laid to rest in her usher uniform, complete with white gloves, a badge, and her signature corsage. She often joked, “When I get to Heaven, I plan to be the Head Usher, and I hope the saints don’t test my gangster!”

Though her faith was not immediate, Kharinne developed a deep relationship with God. Initially studying the Bible to challenge religious hypocrisy, she grew to love scripture and studied privately with only God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She avoided theological debates, believing they dishonored God, and often said, “I don’t have to be right.”

Kharinne was known for her honesty, kindness, generosity, and fierce loyalty. Though outspoken, she described herself as “direct” rather than blunt. She valued friendships deeply, sought understanding in disagreements, and made a lasting impact on those around her.

She passed away on March 5, 2025, leaving behind her beloved daughter Michelle Robertson; grandchildren Alexis (Sean), Arielle, and Aiden Robertson; siblings Marica Shinaul-Lohnaas, Sylvester Shinaul Jr. (Shirley), and Michael Anthony Shinaul Sr. (Brenda); stepdaughters Baryonna and Jimeka Billington-Scott; step-grandson Jayden Scott; great-nephew/grandson Caleb James Prather; her dear cousin and “big brother” Charles Frederick Callahan; best friend Denise Brooks (Barry); her Women of Acceptance sisterhood, and a host of relatives and friends.

In her final conversation with her adopted brother, Dr. Kenneth Washington, she said, “If the people in my life know in their hearts that I loved them to the grave and beyond, then I’ve done my job. I will leave that as my legacy; therefore, my living was not in vain.”

Her guiding words: “Trust the Journey and Be Blessed.”