Rochelle "Shellie" Black

December 23, 1968 - May 21, 2016

Rochelle Lynn Black (Shellie) was born on December 23, 1968 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was thye daughter of the late James Holt and Geneva Black. Shellie was reared in the Glen Hazel section of the city and she in turn raised her own family there, She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a lifelong and devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Homestead under the pastorate of Rev. Donald P. Turner. In church she was active in various ministries and worked on many committees: Sunday School, the Mass Choir, Nurses, and Vacation Bible School volunteer. Two longstanding projects that she initiated at Second Baptist were The Body and Soul Program which focused on healthy eating and Cancer Survivor Recognition Day. She also did volunteer work for the Salvation Army. Shellie was educated in the Pittsburgh Public School System and a 1986 graduate of Brashear High School. She attended and was employed by Duquesne University for a short time but having an interest in patient care, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She went to work for the John Kane Hospital she she met the love of her life, Neal Williams, the father of her children. She worked in the healthcare profession until her health no longer permitted her to do so. Shellie loved her family and she took on her responsibility of parenting with the determination to give her children the best life possible. Even plagued with illness for most of her life, she dud not give up. Her loving heart also led her to assume the role of foster parent and she took in over a dozen foster children over the years. Shellie was an avid party and event planner who loved to surprise people with birthday celebrations or recognition events. She enjoyed traveling and took many vacations with her children and close family. She was an excellent cook and although handicapped, always attempted to help with the holiday cooking. Suddenly on May 21, 2016, Rochelle Lynn Black departed this earthly life for her heavenly home. She is preceded in death by only 2 weeks, by her mother and best friend,Geneva. She leaves to honor and cherish her memory her bloved children: Tashonna, Keenyn (Maxine), and JaQuan; grandchildren: Xavier and Joi; siblings: Roxanne and Avonty; aunt, Bertie Bragg and uncle, Archie Coles; godparents: Anna and Norman Matthews; other relatives, extended family,her church family, and good friends.