Gennella Meadows Burnell was born September 19,1929, to parents Marshall and Zettella Meadows in Camden, AR. She was the 7 ^th of 7 children all which proceed her in death including her parents. Marshall and Zettella. (1) brother, Rand Meadows (5) sisters, Mattie Mixon, Rosie Mae Green, Gladys Meeks, Myrtle Christopher and Rose Jenkins.

At a young age she united with Zion Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Morris and remained a member under the leadership of Bishop Chester Thompson.  In 2008 she united with the Antioch M. B. Church under the leadership of Rev. George Moore and remained a mother of the Church under the leadership of Rev. Bobby J. Box, Sr. until her passing.

She attended Lafayette High School and later went back to school to get her G.E. D in 1986.

In 1946 she met and married Charles Lee Burnell. To this union (2) Sons were born. Charlie (Monica) Burnell and Robert C. Burnell.

She later met and married Sterling Paschal. To this union (5) Children was born. Cathey Paschal Swoboda and Connie Paschal Green, (1) daughter, Sterlean Paschal, (2) sons, Sid and Jerry Paschal who proceed her in death. After our father was no longer with us; as a family we made the decision to return to the name Burnell being that our brothers were older. She also had (1) Grandson, Robert W. Burnell (5) Nephews: Rev. James Meadows, Leroy Beavers, Rev. Emmanuel Ray Jenkins, Larry Jenkins, Grady Jenkins, (2) Nieces: Myrtle Mae Meadows and Velma L. Beavers Reid who proceeded her in death

She worked as a Housekeeper for several hotels and the private sectors and later as an employee of the In-Home Service Dept.

Mother Burnell was president of the Burnell Family Singers for 30 yrs. Traveling spreading the word of Christ thru music. She used her talent as a Singer to sing with the Zion Hill Choir, she was on the Mothers Board at Antioch and an Eastern Star with the Mariah Craighen #172.

She leaves to cherish her memories (4) Children and (15) Grand Children Charlie (kids) Valerie (Lewis), Kizzy, Crystal and Michelle. Robert: Priscilla (Winfred), Jeffery, Pete, Tamacka, Tasha, Kesha (Miguel), Teal (Robert) Erica and Jerry, Cathey: (children), Young Cleveland and Jerry. Connie: (children), Jennifer, Jackie and Tiffany (30) Great Grands (2) God Children, Mr.& Mrs. William and Clara Gulley. (2) loving Classmates, Mrs. Catherine Daniel, Menlo Park, CA and Mrs. L. C Meckins, Southfield, MI Mrs. Erma Harding. A host of Nieces and Nephews, Cousins and Antioch Church Family.