Michelle Dona Washington

I Am Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
to follow the path God made for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
to love, to laugh, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
for I found peace at last, that day.
If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembering joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with hearts of sorrow.
My wish for you is the hope of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
good friends, good times,
a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed much too brief,
don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wants me now --- He's set me free.


REFLECTIONS

Michelle Dona Washington was born on January 3, 1961 to proud parents Leroy and Helen Washington in Los Angeles, CA. She was the middle child born to this union. Her siblings are Stephanie Joy Washington and Carla Ann Washington Stokes. In addition, she has two half brothers, Chancey and Ira Wendell Washington. Michelle was truly the "middle child" and was outgoing, beautiful, vibrant and well liked by many. Her family was very involved with their church and community. They attended all events and trips together with their church and close friends. Michelle was also a Girl Scout along with her mother Helen as the troop leader.

Michelle attended Cimarron Avenue Elementary School and Henry Clay Jr. High School in Los Angeles, CA. Later when the Washington family relocated to Valencia, CA she attended Arroyo Seco Middle School, and Saugus High School. Michelle was class vice president in the 9th grade. She was also successful in running track. After graduating from high school, Michelle attended Antelope Valley Community College where she earned a teaching credential for pre- K education. Michelle taught pre- school for many years, the majority of this was done at Kedren Head Start Pre School in Los Angeles, CA. Michelle also completed and earned a certificate as a dental assistant, taught for the junior blind school, and worked in the Los Angeles Airport where she met her first husband, Lawrence "Anthony" Lacour. Michelle and Anthony were married in 1982 were she became a step mother to his children Danea Lacour and Aqueino Lacour. To this Union was born a beautiful baby girl, Lauren Elena Lacour on September 11, 1983. Michelle affectionately called Lauren, Laurie and they had a very special mother-daughter- friend bond. She would often buy 2 of everything so they could match. Michelle and Anthony later divorced, but remain very dear friends.

Michelle met Tommy Michael Davis in Los Angeles and later relocated to Las Vegas, NV where they married in 1993. There she continued her teaching career until she retired. No children were born to this union and the couple later divorced. Several years later Michelle met Carl Coleman and gave birth to a second beautiful daughter, Mikala Fassett Coleman on June 21, 2000. Mikala was a shining sun ray and they too had a very unique mother and daughter bond. She became a grandmother to her grandson Anthony Brown on August 16, 2010. Anthony's father, Artavus Brown was the son she never had. They shared a special bond. Michelle and Anthony adored each other. She always made sure he was happy by buying him his favorite toys, preparing his favorite meals, and take him to school everyday. She made sure to always support her two girls and grandson not matter how much physical pain she was suffering from.

Although Michelle suffered from Retinitis Pigmentosa and was legally blind, she refused to be disabled, she continued to live life fully and colorfully. She was very smart and artistically talented creating special unique cakes for various celebrations, hand made costumes, prom dresses, theme accessory bags, purses, and beautiful quilts. She took great pride and joy in her craft and even had a Gracie table. Her inspiration came from her favorite movie "How to build an American quilt." Some of her other passions were theme parks. She loved Magic Mountain, and recently had season tickets to the theme park which she attended on different occasions with her family and her childhood "gurls." She also met her fantasy star, Stony Jackson and even got to dance with him at half-time.

Michelle enjoyed giving parties for any holiday, birthday or event. She loved being the host. She always made sure there were plenty of food and games with prizes for her guest. She was very family oriented and instilled the importance of family in her children. She took pleasure in caring for the children of family and friends.

She was a fan of the summer Olympics. She watched every event but her favorites were track and field and Gymnastics.

Michelle was quite a fighter, she fought against disability, and then she fought her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 2014. In 2017 she again fought against the ravages of near death after complications during an extensive surgical procedure. She had a survival attitude until the end when she could not fight any longer. While it was too fast for us, it was right on time for God, he called her home on March 29, 2018. She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters, Lauren Lacour and Mikala Coleman; step children, Danea Hester and Aqueino Lacour; grandson, Anthony Brown; mother, Helen Washington; sisters, Stephanie Washington and Carla Washington Stokes; brothers, Chancey Washington and Wendell Washington; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, former students, God daughter Chere Hill and special friends Anthony Lacour, Yolanda Lacour, Andrea Kynard, and Ercell Granados, Patrice Lapeyrollerie and so many more. She was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Washington.



Acknowledgment

Perhaps you sent a card, flowers, food, financial support, or were there in person to wipe our tears. Well Lauren and Mikala see you, and thank you. These rough days have been softened by your generosity. We want to give special acknowledgment to the Lacour family, and especially to Anthony Lacour, Aqueino Lacour, and Danea Lacour .... They were there in ways unexplainable. We also thank all my girls, for the abundant food, hours of love, support and time. Finally we thank our God Mommies, Andrea Kynard and Ercell Granados, boy "Meche" knew how to pick good friends. And so do we, we thank each of you for everything you've done. Lauren and Mikala.