Fannie Wesley Burrell

Fannie Wesley Burrell transitioned from labor to reward on September 18, 2024. She was born to the late Charles and Maria Wesley in New Kent County on November 9, 1925. She was educated at New Kent County Training School where she graduated top of her class. Fannie accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of New Elam Baptist Church. She had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and she deeply loved God. She faithfully served the church in many capacities - Deaconess, President of the Missionary ministry as well as Treasurer, usher, Sunday School Teacher, Women's Ministry, New Elam representative with the Pamunkey Baptist Association, and was the "Mother of the Church". Even those church members who were not related to her called her either Mother Fannie or Aunt Fannie. It was devasting to her when COVID-19 required worship services to be paused. She loved her New Elam family and was committed to doing her absolute best in whatever role she had at the church. Her favorite hymn was "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 121.
Fannie Smith was an amazingly loving person known in the community by many names – Ms. Fannie, Mother Fannie, Ma Fannie, Momma Fannie or Aunt Fannie. She worked with the Quinn Rivers Community Action Agency, was a Teachers' Aide at George W. Watkins Elementary School and helped at the polls. Fannie demonstrated unconditional love for everyone she encountered. She was thoughtful, caring, considerate, and compassionate. She always looked for good in every person, withholding judgement, and offering sage advice to those closest to her. She modeled agape love through her words and actions. She loved the outdoors, actually called herself an "outdoorsman", and animals. As a child she kept pet rabbits, deer, ducks, chickens, racoons. At her home, she was always concerned about feeding the hummingbirds and rabbits who frequented her yard. Her cat, Brownie, was the recipient of years of love and tremendous spoiling. Even when she was not able to take care of Brownie herself, she always directed whomever was there to be certain Brownie was fed and given treats.
Anyone who was blessed to taste her cooking and desserts knew that part of the deliciousness came from the dollop of love she put into everything she prepared. She could tell you how to cook everything and how to "save" something that was too salty, too sweet, too tart or otherwise not good. Her baking was nothing short of legendary! Her pound cake was always a favorite..everyone vied for a piece at church functions, family reunions and/or Sunday dinner. (She kept her pound cake recipe closely guarded, but one niece was blessed when she shared it a few years ago!) She listened to hymns and sermons whenever she was working in the house. An avid gardener who loved tending to her flowers, her yard was always ablaze with beautiful colors from spring though autumn. You could pick a full bouquet on any day that rivaled that of any florist.
Fannie Burrell had a large and loving family. Her parents, Charles and Maria Wesley, five brothers (George, Christopher, Charles, Richard and Hugo), two sisters (Lenora and Annie), husband Rev. Quentin Smith, grandson Charles Moss, Jr and great nephew Shawn M. Wesley preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved daughter Barbara Ann Moss and son-in-love Charles E. Moss, Sr.; grandchildren, Charna Moss-Gregory (Edward); Rev. Dr. Donald Moss (Denise); Elder Michael Moss (Quita); twelve great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives, friends and her beloved cat Brownie. Also left to mourn her loss are her devoted caretakers Arshelia Harris, as well as Shirley Forbes, Barbara Lewis, Quita Moss, Joy Moss, Linda Fultz, Betty Burrell and Angela Dorsey. Special thanks to the staff of Nayer Home Health Care and Hospice.
A funeral service will be held 1PM, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at New Elam Baptist Church, 8101 Cumberland Rd, New Kent, VA 23124. A viewing will be held from 11AM-12:30PM, just prior to the service Wednesday, at the church.