Sharlene Rutland was born May 12th, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were the late Nathaniel and Inez Rutland. Her late brother Lawrence Rutland was her only sibling. Raised in a Christian home, she came to Christ at an early age. She found a church home the last 10 years of her life at St- Peters F.B.H. Church. Sharlene attended school in the Philadelphia area from Kindergarten to Twelfth grade. As a young woman she enjoyed music such as singing and playing the piano. Some of her memorable moments are to call you on the holidays or your birthday to sing to you.

After high school, Sharlene went off to college and graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelor of Science inEarly Childhood Special Education. Once Sharlene gained her independence as a teacher, she began to enjoy life by traveling with friends to different tropical islands around the world. She continued to teach children in special education for over 35 years before she retired. She had so much love for teaching after retiring, she would substitute teach a couple times a month. Sharlene met the late Robert Martin, and they had their only child Adrinana "Angel" Martin.

Sharlene could light up a room with her smile and her sense of humor could grab everyone's attention. Sharlene had no problem speaking exactly what was on her mind that could make you laugh now and sometimes cry later! She would take over someone's else party and turn it into her own with her jokes and cheerful spirt. Sharlene would also join the dance floor "Bustin Moves" and singing along the way.

Sharlene was survived by her lifelong partner Mitchell McLaurin and devoted and loving daughter Adrinana "Angel "Martin. Three beautiful Grandchildren, Makhi Jefferson as she called him "Silver Fox", Mason EL" Professor" and Autumn EL "Ms. tell it like it is". Nieces and Nephews Tina Wilks, James Rutland (Deceased), Tony Rutland, Viveca Rutland and a host of family and friends.