Ellin Osorio, known affectionately to many as Sherekaa, transitioned from this life to join the Ancestors on April 18, 2024 following a long illness. In her nearly 75 years on this earth, Ellin lived a full and rewarding life during which she devoted herself to her family, made many dear friends, enjoyed a long professional career, and cultivated diverse interests, especially in the arts.
Ellin was born April 25, 1949 in Queens, New York, to Dolorita and John Osorio. She grew up in the St. Albans area of Queens and attended St. Catherine’s Catholic School. After graduating, she attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga., earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1972. During her tenure at Spelman, Ellin was very engaged in student life and movements for social change during a time of great social and political upheaval. She was active as a leader in student government and worked on the Spelman Spotlight newspaper where she nurtured her interests in writing. She pursued those interests throughout her professional career in media at Cable Atlanta, in the cultural arts at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and in public relations for Fulton County. In the later years of her career, she consulted with many high-profile clients, providing public relations, script writing, editing and media relations services.
Anyone who knew Ellin will attest to her deep and lasting love of the cultural arts, including literature, visual arts, music, and home décor and design. She was especially drawn to the arts of the African Diaspora, attending numerous shows and exhibits and hosting many artists in her home. She was also an avid reader, and her home always featured a most impressive library, stunning art and artifacts, and the sounds of jazz, black classics and popular music. She shared that love of the arts and her considerable culinary skill with the many friends and family members she invited for short- or long-term stays at several of the residences she enjoyed in the greater Atlanta area, most recently in Riverdale, Ga.
Ellin traveled many roads on her spiritual journey, eventually joining a loving community following the Yoruba religious traditions of West Africa. She also remained true to her Catholic roots.
Ellin was preceded in her transition to the Ancestors by her parents, Dolorita and John Osorio; and by her brother, Jay Osorio. She is survived by her son, Malik Mitchell, and niece, Kimberly Crawford. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory many close friends and members of her beloved spiritual community.
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