Mushell Irby Sullivan (Shell, Lil’ Bit, Grandlady) was born to George Irby and Ruby Lee Irby on September 9, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama. She was the youngest of her two siblings, Chris Williams and Viola Devers.
Mushell grew up as an exceptional scholar. She graduated valedictorian from Mattie. T. Blount High School in 1971. Upon graduating from Blount High School, she attended Dillard University where she graduated Magna Cum Lade with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting in 1976.
After graduating from Dillard University, she married the love of her life, David Sullivan Jr., in Mobile, Alabama. She and David moved to Wisconsin and then later set up their permanent residence in Dallas, Texas in 1978. After moving to Dallas, she accepted a job at Sears-Roebuck and then later took a job at Hogan Systems where she worked for a number of years.
During her time at Hogan System she gave birth to two sons, David and Jonathan Sullivan where she was an amazing and devoted mother who instilled wisdom, work ethic, determination, drive, focus, integrity, family, and caring for and helping others. Mushell was like a 2nd mother to her nieces and nephews and God-children. Most importantly she taught her children and grandchildren to lean on God for understanding.
Mushell was a devout Christian who accepted the Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a young age. She was dedicated to the edification of the Kingdom and the building of God’s House. She was never afraid to share how awesome the Lord was and how good he was to her. She was a member of Friendship West Baptist Church where she served in the Children’s Ministry on Sundays. Not only did she serve in the Children’s Ministry, she also worked as a Business Manager at Friendship West Baptist Church until finally taking her final job at the Dan Jefferson Cooperation.
Mushell touched many people’s lives by having a warm caring heart. Mushell often went out of her way and sacrificed herself to make sure her family had what they needed as well as others who were close to her. It was nothing for her to send words of encouragement, or to purchase something for somebody who was in need. She didn’t mind cooking for others and sharing a meal. She loved to spoil her grandchildren because she wanted to make sure they did not go without and so they would always know who she was. Not only did she not want her grandchildren to go without, but she also did not want her nieces and nephews children to go without also. She was the true definition of what it means to be selfless and sacrificial.
Mushell was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Collins and George Irby. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her husband, David Sullivan, Jr., and two children David Sullivan III (Chassity), and Jonathan Sullivan as well as four grandchildren (Zion Sullivan, Jonathan Sullivan, Jr., Camden Sullivan, and Callie Sullivan). She also leaves behind to celebrate her life and legacy, her brother, Christopher Williams (Sharon), her sister, Viola Devers (Mac), 9 nieces and 9 nephews, and a host of other relatives, godchildren, and friends.
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