Obituary of Sabrina Roxanne May

Sabrina R. May was born to Princess S. Talbert and Samuel Burton on December 5, 1970, in the town of Oyster Bay, New York.  In her early years, she attended Durham AME Zion Church and participated in the children’s choir.  She had a passion for church and enjoyed fellowshipping with her peers.  She graduated from Bay Shore High School and was valedictorian for the class of 1987.  She was also chosen and crowned as the first Afro American Queen by her school graduating class. She eventually moved from Syracuse to Rochester and joined The Cathedral at the Gathering Place Church.   She rededicated her life and was re-baptized as an adult.  She was passionate about attending her church and look forward to the services and fellowship.

In August 2014, Sabrina was employed by East House as a Peer Support Specialist and quickly worked her way up to Assistant Manager of Affinity Place. In February 2016, she was promoted Manager of Affinity Place. In September 2018, Sabrina and Cheri Watt, (her Senior Director) flew to New York City for the day since Affinity Place was being recognized.  They were also invited to do a poster presentation at the Department of Health Social Determinants of Health Summit at the Academy of Medicine.   In 2019 she was honored by the Academy of Peer Services, and was named Supervisor of the Year.   She was a beloved leader, co-worker, colleague and friend to so many at East house and beyond.   Sabrina passion and love of her craft left an indelible mark on the hearts of many and the larger community, never to be forgotten.  

Sabrina proudly received her Bachelor of Science from Empire State College in Rochester, NY, in January 2019.

She was preceded in death by her mother Princess S. Talbert and father Samuel Burton. 

Sabrina leaves to cherish her memories two daughters Nicole Dunnigan and Amber Barnwell and two sons Christopher Dunnigan and Joseph Dunnigan all of Rochester, NY; grandmother, Lillian Harris of Greensboro, NC; three sisters – Jenny Matos, Shaquan Anderson, and Ieisha Jenkins, four brothers – William Thomas, Samuel D. Burton, Spencer Burton, and Dayron Burton.   Seven Grandchildren; and Four Uncles - Charles Talbert (Valeria), Robert Talbert (Denise), Cheyenne Talbert (Yvette), and Clifton Harris.  A host of many family members and friends.