Sharon Denise Burks-Dupree

  Sharon Denise Burks-DuPree, affectionately known as “Shell,” was born on December 6, 1954, to Doris Curry in Decatur, Alabama.

Shell grew up surrounded by both her Ohio and Alabama families, whom she truly loved. She enjoyed attending whatever family function was going on — birthday parties, family reunions, or simply spending time together. It didn’t have to be a special occasion; if family was there, Shell was there.

One of her favorite things to do was sitting on the front porch on Kenyon Street, waving to everybody with a big smile, laughing and joking, and simply having a good time. Sharon attended Akron Public Schools. She was employed in various healthcare and food service-related positions throughout her life. She loved to cook and was known as a very good cook. She also enjoyed driving and being on the go. Shell especially loved caring for, nurturing, and protecting family children as if they were her own. She was generous, dependable, loyal, witty, and sometimes challenging — but always genuine.

Throughout her life, Shell worshipped at St. John CME Church, where her mother was a long-time member. Over the years, Shell became stricken with illness, but that did not stop her spirit. She always tried to be present. She had many stories to share and was loved by many, returning that love freely and unconditionally.

She received her wings on February 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Doris and Samuel Curry. She leaves to cherish her memory: Her sisters, Karyn, Valerie, and June Curry; Her sister-cousin, Janice Kelker; Her aunt, Ann Edmonds of Decatur, Alabama; Her niece, Kelly Curry; Her nephews, Samuel Curry II, Garrick, and Xavier Curry;

Twelve great-nieces and nephews; Her godchildren, Erica Respress, Kelly Kelker, and Terri Kelker;

And a host of relatives and close friends.