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Michael Koonce Obituary
Michael was born on Oct. 9, 1953, in Newport News to the late Marcus Garvey Dillard and Maggie Koonce.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Guinelle Koonce; son, Micah; three brothers, Leroy Koonce (Annie), Marion Koonce and Anthony Koonce (Paula); three sisters, Peggy Burley (Curtis), Delores Williams (Dennis) and Mildred Gullage (Leonard); and a host of aunts, uncles, family and friends.
Viewing will be held Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, from noon to 6 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607. Funeral services will be held noon Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at First Baptist Church, 112 Mahan Street, Suffolk, Va. Interment will follow in Carver Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Koonce
Vanessa M Sweat
November 24, 2009
To: Sister Peggy Burley and the Entire Koonce Family
My sympathy is extended to your family in the passing of your loved one. I pray God provides the strength and comfort needed by all of you during this time.
Ann Shreve
November 22, 2009
Guinelle,
I was so sadden to hear of Michael's illness. Maybe it's true the good die young. I'll always remember Michael as one of the good guys, someone easy to talk to and comfortable to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harry, Dean, & Stan Whitehead
November 22, 2009
We were so sorry and shocked to read the obituary in the newspaper. Koonce was a close neighborhood friend of the Whitehead family. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Rosalie Davis
November 21, 2009
May you have peace in your hearts knowing Michael is resting now in the arms of the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with you during time of sorrow. May God Bless You and your family. Rosalie Davis class of 1973 HHS
Larry Dillard
November 21, 2009
Guinelle, Micah, the Koonce and Dillard family, May God strengthen and comfort us in this time of sorrow. Mike loved us so much and he knew we loved him. Each of us will carry our fond memories of him, his goodness and joy long after today. Every time you hear a piece of music that Michael loved, know he is saying I am with you and love you. Please take comfort in this. Sherry and I love you.
November 20, 2009
Guinelle
I was sadden to hear of your loss.My
thoughts and prayers are with you and Micah.
Thelma Griffin, Yorktown,Va.
LaVerne Ricks-Brown
November 20, 2009
Dear Koonce Family,
My thoughts and prayers are wiith you during this time. Koonce grew up across the street from us and was like a little brother to me. His kindness, laughter, and wonderment of life's timeless mysteries will always be remembered. Koonce was one of the world's "responsible brothers" that folks could always count on! Our family will truly miss Koonce but truly understands that now he has all the answers to the questions he so seriously pondered! PEACE, my neighborhood little brother!
Bruce Sherlock
November 20, 2009
I had a lot of fun back in the day with this Brother. May God provide the family and friends of Michael Koonce the strength that they need during their time of bereavement.
Linda Barrett
November 20, 2009
I was sadden to hear of Michael's passing. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family and God bless.
(class of "73")
November 20, 2009
Guinelle, I was so sorry to learn of Michaels passing, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. Loosing someone you love leaves you with a heavy heart. I will keep you in my heart.
Anne Douglas
Shirley DeLoatch-Fenwrick
November 20, 2009
To the Koonce Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I lived next door to the Koonce family and always knew that Michael was a very giving person who loved his family. I am very happy to know that he recognized GOD's gift of a wonderful family and loving wife and son. I can not be with you at this time but please be assured that I am with you in spirit.
Delores Wallace-Bright
November 20, 2009
To the Koonce Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Guinelle, Michael's smile will be everlasting. Smile, our thoughts and prayers are with you forever. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joanie Karavias
November 20, 2009
With sincere smypathy to the family. I worked with Michael, CSX (Railroad) and he was such a pleasant person. May he rest in peace with the lord. He will be remembered.
Davida Williams
November 20, 2009
Guinelle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that your husband is wrapped in the arms of God. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
McFarland Family
November 20, 2009
To My Beloved Soror and Family,
Guinelle, you are in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. Words cannot begin to express the sympathy I send and comfort I wish for you all. In the days to come, cherish the memories and know that God will keep you. Praying for your peace. Love Always, Akhira.
Tony Ricks
November 20, 2009
The strength of The Almighty be with you now Guinelle and Micha, as prayers and support reach out to you from friends and family. Trust that Michael is in Glory and at peace.
Michael "Bobby" Koonce made the short list of my oldest, closest, and dearest friends. Mike was my go-to guy. Whenever I needed to hear the truth sprinkled with just the right amount of understanding...I went to Bobby.
I love him. I will miss him. Rest in Peace my old friend.
Vince Binns
November 20, 2009
Michael attended my brother's funeral (Sy Binns) earlier this year. I KNOW he is with the Lord. God bless the entire family.
Rose Davis
November 20, 2009
Guinelle
You and the family are in my prayers during this time of sorrow. I know that you are of strong faith and trust in the Lord. God bless and keep you.
November 20, 2009
Michael,it's me dear one. My tears flow freely but these are not tears of sadness but tears of joy realizing that you are resting in the arms of the Almighty. You will continue to give to the world as I pass on to others what I learned from you. To know you was to love you. You will never be forgotten. I love you. Guinelle
Shannon Mitchell
November 19, 2009
Guinelle and family:
I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you and hold you close.
KAREN MURRAY
November 19, 2009
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. My prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time. May the peace of God rest upon you and your family and may you find solace in the memories of your loved one.
class of '73' Hampton HIGH
November 19, 2009
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Koonce family.I can remember our conversation on the corner of shell& teach st. back in the seventies.Mike was a joy to be around
Willie Long (swift) Inglewood,Ca
Randy Dillard
November 19, 2009
Guinelle,Micah and members of trhe Koonce Family.
Val, Alex and I want to share this message to remind you all that Michael's kindness genrousity and love for his family will live with us forever. He is now at the right hand of the Father resting in peace. I will always remember his smile and sense of humor, which he shared with everyone that knew him. I love you all and will be here for you
Rosemary (Brooks) Butler
November 19, 2009
Anthony and Family,
My condolences to you and your family on Michael's passing. As next door neighbors for many years, I got to know you family so well and am sure that as close as you are, Michael will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
STEPHEN HINES
November 19, 2009
My thoughts & my prayers are with the Koonce Family. May this be a time for family & friends to remember those special moments you shared with a special friend like Michael. When my father called from Gloucester, Va I was filled with all the good memories we shared together while growing up. He will be missed. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
Rosalie Davis
November 19, 2009
To The Koonce Family & Friends
It is with a sad heart to hear about Michael's passing . Just knowing he is with the Angels in Heaven and the Lord. May the Lord give you peace and love during time of sorrow and know you will always have your memories of Michael in your hearts.
Brewster Sansom
November 19, 2009
May God be with your family at this time I am going to miss you mike.
Rev. Otis & Jacqueline Sanders
November 19, 2009
To the Koonce and Burley family, may the Lord's hand of compassion and love and His guiding light from above, shine upon you and give you strength during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that friends and family share in your loss. We also pray that you find comfort from the Word of God which states "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace give us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthens you...." II Thessalonians 2:16,17.
Mary Holmes
November 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jacqui Price-Brown
November 19, 2009
Guinelle,
Michael was a great friend. You know we grew up together and were kept after school by his grandmother. I was so glad when he found you and your son was born. Life is a tremendous adventure and you and Michael were two of the greatest people that enjoyed the goodness and richness of love.
McCarthy Mathis
November 19, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Frank Tolliver
November 19, 2009
To the Koonce Family:
Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Take comfort in knowing that Michael is now resting in a better place. Be strong, keep the faith and stay encouraged through this most difficult time. I remember the last time seeing Michael was at the Jazz Festival in Washington, DC. I will never forget his smile and the wonderful time we shared. Peace be with you.
Anthony Gatling
November 19, 2009
May the love of old friends and family carry you through the lost of your loved one. May God Bless you.
Anthony, James and Brenda your 23rd St. family.
LIONEL YOUNG
November 19, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Pat Moore
November 19, 2009
Guinelle there are no words in a time like this that will make you feel better. But rest assure that God has his arms around you. Let Him give you the peace and comfort that you seek. Only he can take away the hurt, pain and sorrow, and only He can dry your tears. You and your family are in my prayers, not just today but always. God loves you and so do I.
VONDA HINES
November 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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