Michele Mills, 59, of Abbott Ln., Ithaca, passed away Sunday, May 08, 2016 at the Cayuga Medical Center. She was born in New York City, daughter of Harold Blake who survives her and the late Dolores Washington Blake.
(Bio) Michele was a lover of life and most importantly a lover of God. She had so much to offer, and was always willing to share of herself even if it meant neglecting her needs. Michele was a nurturer and loved unconditionally, which earned her the nickname of "Mama Michele" she was endeared and adored by many who she took to heart. Her mission was to ensure that people, whether child or adult, would reach their greatest potential. When she first arrived in Ithaca she knew that she had wanted to make a difference in her life, and while taking herself to the next level, she took the hands of others and brought them along with her. She loved loving people, and when she loved you.....you knew it.
She embraced life, always saw the best in everyone and was forever willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. She loved to laugh and would make you laugh in the process with stories only she could tell. No matter what life presented to her, she embraced it, looked for the good in it and if she didn't find it, she rallied around every attempt to create it. Michele *(Mama Mills) was very active in her community and focused on bringing people together. Her love for others led to the formation of her "Woman on the Rise" support group, the planning of a "West Village Little League" in support of the children, a "Travel Mom" for Ithaca Academy of Dance, a Motivational Speaker, Storyteller, Caretaker and the list goes on.
Because she wholeheartedly believed that all could do and become better, she worked hard to help others achieve their goals while bettering herself in the process. She genuinely cared for and about everyone, yet at the same time would "tell it like it is". With that mindset, everyone that she claimed in her life became both friend and family. Her pride and joy was her children, family and grandchildren.
In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, William Mills; her son, Tyrone (Wendy) Blake; her grandchildren, Tyerra, Tyahnnah, Nariah and Ahrayah Blake and her sister, Micheryl Blake, Robert and Niya Chenphang. She is also survived by her sisters, Sheila, Betty, Cynthia, Williamina, Vida, Gwendlyn, Geneva, Deborah and her brothers David, Jerome and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her mother she was also predeceased by her son, Terrence Price-Blake and her brother Roy Blake.
Funeral services will be celebrated by Pastor John Sotero on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Friends may call prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Donations in Michele's memory may be made to Woman On The Rise, c/o Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Visitation prior to the service beginning at 12 noon.
SERVICES Funeral Service
Monday, May 16, 2016 1:00 PM
First Assembly of God Church 197 Bostwick Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
Visitation prior to the service beginning at 12 noon.
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