Sharleen Marie Givens (Burns) was born on March 2, 1957, in Puerto Cortes, Honduras.  Sharleen was a vibrant force who made her mark as an ambitious entrepreneur after immigrating to the U.S. in the '60s. After graduating from Brighton High School, Sharleen founded and operated several successful ventures, including the Miss Caribbean American Queen Pageant, Sharleen Beauty Secret Salons, and Sharleen Modeling and Talent Agency, where she often recruited her friends and family.

With such class, Sharleen was a true trendsetter with a passion for fashion and beauty, Sharleen received the Lifetime Achievement Fashion Beauty Award from GBOS. Her love for fashion was undeniable, even reflected in the name of her cherished cat, Fashion. Her dedication to her craft led her to further her education at Barbizon Modeling School, Cosmetology School, and Catering School for Culinary Arts.  With a true passion for self-development, Sharleen consistently strived to better herself and those around her. This drive is why she was often encouraged others to buy Amway, Mary Kay, or Melaleuca products.

Sharleen's love for family was evident in the way she hosted lively holiday parties filled with music, dancing, and her delicious cooking—especially her rice and peas, plantains, and salads which made it to all her plates. Known for her motherly instincts and infectious laugh, which often left those around her with bruised arms Sharleen had an unwavering zest and class for life.  She left a lasting impression on everyone she met! She earned the title of "Limbo Queen of Boston" as she was an active participant in the Boston Caribbean Festival.

Her legacy lives on through her beloved children—Carree Burns, Rasheeda Faulk, Yasmeen (Mimi) Givens, and Waseem Givens—each carrying the double "E" in their names, a loving mark she made sure would forever link them as hers. Her ten grandchildren: Nazeah Thompson, Devrae Burns, Brooklyn Burns, Jesiah Faulk, Nyomi Faulk, Sarai Faulk, Raydonnel Burns, Rakayla Burns, and Kayden Givens. Sharleen was also close to her siblings, Abigail Brissett and her late brother Bernard Burns, and shared a unique, inseparable bond with her mother, Shirley Burns.  Sharleen's had many friends all over the world. Sharleen's impact on her family, friends, and community continues to inspire, reflecting her deep-rooted love for culture, self-improvement, and empowerment.

Sharleen will be deeply missed and serves as a lasting reminder of one of her favorite quotes: "If you can dream it, you can do it."