It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of E. Shelton “Essie” Burden, a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to her resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. E. Shelton, born on July 17, 1931, left us peacefully on December 2, 2023.
E. Shelton’s legacy is cherished by her loving daughter, Elizabeth Burden; granddaughters Clariece Burden-Stelly and Charisse Burden-Stelly; and great-granddaughters Gianna Burden-Corella and Sankara Eisen-Martin. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Franklin Harrison Burden, Jr., children Margaret Anne Burden and Franklin Harrison Burden, III, her parents Cora and Julius Shelton, and her siblings Ulysses, William, James Parker, Julia Elizabeth, Herman, Julius, Curtiss, Raymond, and Estella.
A proud alumna of Tennessee State (then A&I) University, E. Shelton excelled in her studies, earning a Bachelor and Master of Science in Chemistry. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s PhD program in Chemistry and later to Texas Southern, Thurgood Marshall School of Law for her Juris Doctorate. Her educational journey culminated in a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University.
E. Shelton’s professional journey was as diverse as it was impressive. She served as a Research Spectroscopist and Associate Professor at Fisk University, a Research Chemist at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Monsanto, and Dorsey Laboratories (now Novartis); the director of programs for the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women; and held pivotal roles in affirmative action at Auburn University and Smith College.
She lived her belief in service and community. In her early adult life in Lincoln, NE, she served as a member, and later chairperson of the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, a board member of the Malone Community Center, and was an active member of Quinn Chapel AME Church. In mid-life In Auburn, AL, and Northhampton, MA, her contributions were recognized with numerous honors, being named Educator of the Year by Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In retirement in Nashville, TN, she was a member of Ebeneezer United Methodist Church, and served as its coordinator of older adult ministries.
Above all, E. Shelton will be remembered as a tireless worker for righteousness with mercy, tirelessly advocating for the integration of the weak, liberation of the oppressed, and full participation of the marginalized in all facets of life.
E. Shelton’s life was a beacon of hope and inspiration. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her indomitable spirit, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place.
**Due to unforeseen circumstances, a Memorial Service will be held at a future date.
My heart and love goes out to the burden family may her life be continued throw the living meaning her kids and family members God bless you all
Thanks, Donald. ❤️
I send my condolences to the family. I worked briefly with her at Smith College where I was fortunate to gather brilliant insights and guidance. Her leadership here set a very high standard that has yet to be matched.
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What a beautiful women we had the pleasure of knowing. Sister Essie’s laugh and smiles are still so very present. Our community will continue to see her impact! God bless your hearts Elizabeth! Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute of your mom!
Ruth
Thank you, Ruth. 🙏
My condolences to the family and friends. I knew Ms. Burden only briefly at Smith College where I worked as a custodian. She treated the service staff with the same respect and kindness as she would the faculty. I always loved seeing her.
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My condolences to the family. A wonderful soul has left this earth. I cherish fond memories of our time at Smith College.
Tender condolences to the family. I grieve her passing, though we have been out of touch for some time. I remember her with respect, admiration, and love. I was her friend and colleague, and I sat in on a few of her classes and enjoyed her teaching style. She would ask difficult questions and then, when students answered them incorrectly, instead of responding harshly, she would laugh. Her laughter could fill a room with ease and forgiveness. She was a stand for justice all her life, and all who knew her respected her ethics and her strength of character. I have a photograph of her with Charisse when Charisse was about 8 years old. If you’d like to have it, please send me an email and I will send it to you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kendall. I am sure you recognized the photo on this page. Thanks for talking such a wonderful photo that captured Mom’s essence.
Elizabeth, I send my loving care. Having known your mom through Margaret as a wonderful, supportive, mover and shaker of our world. Your family is an important part of my younger years.
With grateful memories I send my love,
Lynn (Brammeier) Wallasky
Dear Elizabeth, My name is Gayla Nelsen and I was a student teacher at Saratoga School when you were in kindergarten. Mrs. Kathy Lucs was your teacher. I remember you and your mother Essie very well. I was in awe of Essie from the first moment that I met her. I enjoyed you very much. Essie was always composed and always articulate. She could speak for hours about your abilities and her dreams for you. I followed Essie’s involvement in the Lincoln community and elsewhere when such news was in the paper. I did see the two of you from a distance when you were a young adult. I felt the need to reach out to you at this moment of sorrow. I want you to know that you and your mother will never be forgotten by me. I wish you peace. Love, Gayla Nelsen
Many thanks, Gayla.
Dearest Elizabeth: I knew your remarkable Mom through much cherished school friend Margaret. Your Mom’s life was a testament to a life of service and kindness. Essie gave so much back to her community. I send you condolences along with such fond memories of your Mom and big Sister, dear Margaret. Sincerely, Ted McConnell
Dear Ted,
I remember that you were a dear friend of Margaret Anne’s. In going through some of Mom’s slides recently, I have come across photos that I think are of you and Margaret, perhaps prom.
Thank you for your condolences.
Memorial Service for E Shelton Burden
Saturday, March 9, 11 am Central Time
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82078319629?pwd=V3lGdWZKaklkaGh5MEs4Q2tIMFJMUT09
Meeting ID: 820 7831 9629
Passcode: memorial
It breaks my heart to see this. I have been trying to track Es down for years.
I would like your family to know that Es changed my life and was a lifeline to me at Smith College. She took me under her wing, fed me holiday dinners when I had no family to go to, and taught me the meaning of service, kindness and justice. She was my professor, my mentor, my hero and my champion. My life and my career were guided by her essence. I had hoped to tell her that her law school letter of recommendation, 33 years ago, led to my career as an attorney, and now a judge. And that I use the wisdom and compassion she taught me, every day of my life. I even keep the picture at the top of this page on my desk and on my phone (I think Kendall took it), and I tell everyone who asks about the woman I owe everything to.
Sending your family love and support, along with the knowledge that Es will be remembered and honored by my family, as well.
My condolences to the Burden family. Ms. Burden was an inspiring and unforgettable presence when I was a student at Smith College. What an accomplished and beautiful life she led. May her memory be a blessing.