Michele Williams was born October 20, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan to her loving parents, Julia and Henry Williams. Baptized as a child at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, Michele carried her Christian faith with her throughout her life.

Michele was a devoted mother to her son, Joseph, who was her greatest source of joy and pride. She cherished spending quality time with him — enjoying long rides by the water, going to the park, eating ice cream, and sharing laughter and heartfelt conversations.

Michele’s love for her family was unwavering. Her mother was her other heartbeat and 15 years ago she lovingly stepped into the role of a devoted caregiver. Michele spent every day by her mother’s side, loving and caring for her until her passing this past January. She was also a loving sister to her 12 siblings and a proud Auntie who delighted in sharing her knowledge of family history with her nieces and nephews. Michele took great joy in supporting their school activities and watching them grow up and thrive.

As a child, Michele was known for her athleticism. She earned numerous awards as a runner at Balch Elementary, where her speed on her toes earned her the affectionate nickname “Tippy Toes”. Michele also had a passion for swimming, becoming captain of the girls’ swim team at Spain Jr. High and leading them to an undefeated record during her three years there. She later graduated from Murray Wright High School, where she pursued her love of sewing.

Michele’s passion and talent for sewing led her to entrepreneurship. She opened Michele and Willa’s in the heart of Detroit’s west side, where she built a business that operated for more than 25 years. She loved creating and tailoring beautiful clothes to make her family and customers look stunning, including the creation of a beautiful debutante gown for her great niece Makenzie.

Michele’s fun-loving free spirit, infectious laugh, and outspoken personality helped her build lasting friendships throughout the years. Her warm heart and faith in God shone through in the optimism she carried every day. Even in the most challenging times, she would give thanks to God for His blessings.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Julia Mae Williams; her father, Henry Lee Williams; and siblings, Tyrone Williams, Claudine Williams, Henry Lee Williams Jr., Minnie Frank Riley, Bonnie Williams, Jo Alice Williams, and Verdell Williams. She leaves to cherish beautiful memories: her son, Joseph; siblings Shirley Jones, Mark (Kimberly) Williams, Jean Williams, Gloria (Don) Haynes, and Euree (Barbara) Williams and a host of nieces and nephews.

Michele’s love will remain in our hearts forever.