Ozella Tabourne

Ozella Octavia Burnett Tabourne, the daughter of the late Richard Burnett Sr. and Bernice Jolly Burnett Turner, was born in Edgerton Virginia, May 22nd, 1951, and was called to eternal life on October 26th, 2021 at the age of 70, at Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, East Greenbush, NY. She moved to Troy, NY in the early 1950’s from Brunswick County Virginia with her Mother and two older brothers.

Ozella went to Emma Willard, a private college preparatory high school for girls on a full scholarship. She graduated in 1969.

She then moved to Boston for College and attended Boston University majoring in political science. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1973 with her Bachelor of Arts degree.

Ozella then moved to Philadelphia, PA to attend Law School at Temple University.  Ozella was a strong advocate for citizens who needed a voice to help them live a quality life.  Because of her passion to see all people thrive, she was employed by The Opportunities Industrialization Center of America “OIC”, the Philadelphia location as Project Officer from 1979-1985. During that time she was blessed with her first born, Margaret. A few years later she married Michael Tabourne and welcomed her second born, Michaela. Shortly after, in 1988 she returned home to Troy, NY. During her time in Troy she worked for Troy Public Schools as a substitute teacher in grades K-5, long term assignments included School 2 and School 12. She also worked for The Troy Rehabilitation Improvement Program, INC also known as TRIP as the Associate Director from 1990-1995 until she had to take time away from work due to health reasons.

Ozella was a community activist and served on local commissions and committees and enjoyed political discussions. She was an active member of the 5th avenue AME Zion Church here in Troy. Ozella loved her family and demonstrated that love in numerous ways.  She was always a gracious hostess when family visited from near and far. She loved cultural events and attended concerts, plays and visited museums. Her favorite pastime was shopping.

 In her leisure she loved to read, play tennis, talk politics, play cards, cook, travel and talk on the phone to her sisters in Love, Angie, Tori & Myra and her special Aunts, Louise (predeceased), Nan (predeceased), & Penny and her special Uncles, Irv (predeceased), & Elton(predeceased). She loved family, and often looked forward to visiting her out of town family in Virginia every fourth Sunday in August all the way up until 2014 when her health no longer allowed it. Ozella had a very strong relationship and love for God. Ozella did not have an easy road, suffering numerous ailments since 1992, however God had bigger plans and her work was not yet done.

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