Ella Burnett

My story begins long before I was born. My great-great-
grandmother, Nancy Monroe, was born in Kentucky in 1854.
After escaping from her slave master, she made her way to
Chicago during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 at just 18 years
old. Benjiman and Nancy Monroe became two of the founders of
St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church, planting the
roots of faith that would shape generations of my family.
My great-grandmother, Carrie Devan-Moore, raised her children
in St. Stephen AME, and that commitment to faith continued
through every era of our family’s life. My grandparents, Joseph and
Lauretta Postles, also became deeply involved in the church. My
grandfather served faithfully as a Steward and Trustee for many
years until his passing. My grandmother took on many roles—she
directed the Senior Choir, the Gospel Choir, the Junior Choir,
and the Men’s Chorus. She also organized the young adult choir
and trained Charles Ellison to become its director. She served as
a member and former president of Stewardess Board no.3. Their
dedication helped keep the spirit of the church alive for all of us
who came after them.
My mother, Doris L. Freeman, served as an usher at St. Stephen
AME for many years. She raised all six of her children, including
me, in this church. We went to Sunday school, and we were either
in the choir or serving as ushers. I am the last of her six children
in this generation, and I have carried on what was handed to me.
I raised my five children—and even some of my grandchildren—
in St. Stephen, and many of them have attended and joined the
church. Today, I am bringing my great-great-grandchildren and
helping them get involved, just as the generations before me did.
As I look at the legacy of faith and family that has brought us this
far, I am grateful. And I know that when my time comes, I will
leave heaven’s gates open for my loved ones, daughter, Melvina
Campbell; sons, Emmanuel Campbell, Eric Campbell, Jerome
Campbell, and Sean Campbell; granddaughter, Diamonte
Campbell; great-grandaughters, Aniyah, Jazzmyn, and Jamiya;
and a host of other grandchildren and great-grandchildren—each
one waiting with open arms as this story continues through every
generation.

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