Burnell was a proud graduate of Tampa Bay Technical High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for learning that stayed with her throughout her life. She was known for her quick wit and her ability to light up any room with her infectious laughter. Family was the cornerstone of Burnell's life. She was the beloved sister of Walter Thomas (Katey), Bobby Thomas (Jeanna), Yvonne Carter (Joe), Rosemary Ponder (Curtis), Patricia Cobbs, and Roxann Jones. She was a cherished aunt, drawing joy from the company of her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own children. Burnell was a devoted wife to her late husband, Willie Coleman, and she was a loving niece to her aunts Naomi Jones (Rickey), Sandra Brooks (Willis), Jeri Smith (Stoney), and her uncle Ralph Smith (Betty).

Her parents, Eliza and Emikle McQueen, her brother Howard Thomas, and her aunts Anita Smith, Lois Bostick, Twyman Smith, and uncle Dorothy Smith, preceded her in death. Burnell's spirit was characterized by her generosity and loving nature. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and her advice always wise.

She had a special talent for making people feel loved and valued, and she never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to someone's face. An avid card player, Burnell's love for spades was only rivalled by her love for the soulful tunes of the Isley Brothers. Her musical spirit and rhythm were a joy to witness, as she could often be found humming along to her favorite songs or dancing to the beat. One of her most endearing and playful habits was pinching the cheeks of "fat faces" a gesture that always came with a twinkle in her eye and a hearty chuckle. Burnell's sense of humor was legendary; she was the life of every party and the heart of every gathering. Her ability to find humor in everyday moments of life was a gift that she shared generously, and it is a legacy that will live on in the memories of those who knew her. As we say goodbye to Burnell McQueen Coleman, we celebrate a life lived with fullness and laughter. She was a woman who gave of herself freely, loved deeply, and laughed heartily. Her presence will be profoundly missed but her spirit will continue to brighten the lives of her family and friends.