Early on Sunday morning, December 22, 2024, God in his infinite wisdom, love, grace and mercy whispered to "Shelly'', "Come on home my child!" She responded and made the peaceful transition from this life to her eternal home.

Rachelle Lonzella Wainright, youngest daughter of Naomie Johnson Wainwright and Levin O'Connornell Wainwright, Sr., was born on August 31, 1961 in the England Airforce Base's Hospital, Alexandria, Louisiana. She was known as "Shelly'' or "Mama Louche", a name given to her by late paternal grandmother, Lena Waters Wainwright.

Rachelle received her education from St. Cecilia Catholic School and the Baltimore City Public Schools. She graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Senior High School on May 25, 1979 where prior to graduation, she had been inducted into the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools. She continued her education at Morgan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, specializing in Food and Nutrition. She really wanted to become a dietician. She also earned a ServSafe certificate from the Franciscan Culinary Academy. Her professional career included breaking barriers as one of the first African American female Agricultural Instructors at Maryland's Eastern Shore campus. Continuing her pursuit of becoming a dietician, Rachelle was employed in the Food Service department of Johns Hopkins Hospital for many years.

Discouraged by the lack of opportunity to gain an internship in the dietary department of Hopkins, Rachelle ventured into a new field. She began teaching special education students in the Baltimore City Public Schools, where she dedicated over twenty years of services continuing until her health began to decline.

"Shelly" was a smiling, talkative, friendly, happy and generous friend to everyone she met. Some of her favorite hobbies were reading, playing cards, watching TV, listening to music on her "boom box", dancing and swimming. She loved dancing and could dance, winning many contests at O'dells. Swimming was a job-paying hobby as she was the first African American female, Red Cross certified life guard at the newly opened Hollander Ridge Community Swimming Pool. She was full-of-life, laughter, fun and happiness.

Rachelle was a God-fearing woman, who had a personal relationship with the Lord. Even through many trials and tribulations, she remained true to her faith in the Lord.

"Shelly'' was pre-deceased by an older, best friend and sister, Michelle Denise. They were closely connected and lovingly protective of each other.

She leaves to cherish fond, beautiful memories and a legacy of love to: her devoted mother, Naomie Johnson Wainwright; her father, Levin 0. Wainwright Sr.; daughter, Ashley Rae Delaney; son, Alfonso Thomas Delaney III; granddaughter, Honour Noel Delaney; her children's father, Alfonso Thomas Delaney Jr.; as well as loving sister, Dr. Nivel Patricia Conley (Johnnie Conley, Sr.); and a host of other relatives, extended family and devoted friends.