Rochelle P. Silver

Rochelle Pauline (Nicholson) Silver, 53, died Monday September 7, 2020 at Washington Hospital Center after a short and unexpected neurological illness.

Rochelle was born January 15, 1967 to Barbara Nicholson in Washington, DC. Rochelle was adopted and raised in Washington, DC. by her grandparents Francis and Agnes Nicholson. She attended District of Columbia Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School in 1986. After high school, Rochelle obtained employment with the DC government but spent the bulk of her career with the Federal Government as a Program Support Assistant at the US Department of Education until her untimely transition.

Rochelle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend. She did all she could to support her daughter, Rashida, and stepson, Frankie. Rochelle was adored by all who came in contact with her. Over the years she maintained special relationships with her cousins, co-workers, and childhood friends.

One of Rochelle’s favorite pastimes was shopping. When she wasn’t in the mall you could find Rochelle talking with or hanging out with her friends. Her special friendship with Rana Johnson was one that would last more than 40 years; they shared a love for fashion and talked about everything together. Rochelle shared another special relationship with her close friend of more than four decades, Coleen Upsher, with whom she shared piano lessons as children. They also shared a love for handbags which they would shop for together.

One of the major highlights of Rochelle’s life was the birth of her daughter, Rashida Nicholson, whom she doted on and dressed like a baby doll as a child. They spent much of their time talking fashion and hair. Rashida was her mother’s heart; wherever Rochelle was, Rashida was right behind her. Rochelle’s other shadow was Cody, her energetic puppy whom she loved to play with.

Reconnecting with and marrying her lifelong love Frankie Silver on June 20, 2015 was the second major highlight of Rochelle’s life. She was completely smitten by her husband and loved him deeply. Much of their time together was spent laughing or listening to their favorite gospel songs. Frankie had no problem spoiling his wife and providing her with a life full of happiness.

Rochelle was raised in and was a lifelong member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Northwest, DC where she served on the usher board, #2 Sunday school, and belonged to the Angelica Choir. Her entire life she maintained a close and constant relationship with God and had very strong faith. She stayed in prayer and studied scripture often. Rochelle was truly a gem and angel on earth.

Rochelle was preceded in death by her grandfather, Francis E. Nicholson. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Frankie; devoted daughter, Rashida Nicholson of New Carrollton, Maryland; stepson, Frankie Parker of Washington, DC; grandmother, Agnes Nicholson of New Carrollton, Maryland; mother, Barbara Nicholson of Cape May Court House, NJ; brother-in-law, Arthur (Toyia) Mixon of Ruther Glen, VA; sister-in-law, Rashida Silver of Philadelphia, PA; sister-in-law, DeLandria Silver of New Castle, DE; grandsons, Johnathan and Joshua; and a host of family and friends.

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