Michele spent the first five or more years of her life with her parents in an extended family home under the influence of her late grandmother, Rev. Eloise Bridges. She was a woman of many talents that is believed Michele inherited her gifts in artistic design, creativity and entrepreneurship. Michele’s childhood was centered in the church and she became a very important part of the youth development within Bible Deliverance Church under the spiritual guidance of Missionaries Carla Simmons and Deloris Tucker, and Sister Callie Lacy. Michele loved God and accepted Christ at an early age. She developed public speaking and leadership skills under this ministry. She served as a choir directress and lead singer actively participating in praise and worship and leading her favorite song “I Find No Fault in Him”. Michele was deeply dedicated to any endeavor she would undertake and served with the utmost loyalty and integrity. While working at Kraft Foods in Chicago, Michele met and married Keith Harris in 1988. To this union LaKecia (Kecia) was born November 7, 1990. As a small child Kecia demonstrated early evidence of remarkable oratorical skills, acting talent and artistry. Nine years later Michele gave birth to a “bouncing baby boy”, Michael. As a gifted florist, Michele created some of the most beautiful balloon and floral designs, for weddings, and special events around the greater Chicago area. She was known for giving over and beyond what was expected, always with that infectious smile never complaining that anything was too difficult to achieve. Michele was the personal florist for years of Sister Constance Bell, a member of Chicagoland Christian Center when the pastor of CCC was looking for a florist. Michele was recommended to become the florist for CCC and in 1998 she and her children became dedicated members of the church. Michele served as Director of the Girl Scouts and Brownies; and designed and created the landscaping of the church and, weekly provided custom designed flowers and arrangements to adorn the church altar. For years, she also decorated the home of Dr. Marshall and Prophetess Catherine Davis for their family’s Christmas season. When the first Lion King movie was released, at 3 years of age, Kecia was able to recite and dramatize the entire script. As a mother, Michele’s same devotion and passion for youth development led her to California six years ago in the interest of her children. However, her passion for family extended far beyond her children, serving hundreds of children and others in her short lifetime. While living in California, Michele was very active in the education of her children and participated in the many activities of the schools they attended. She was a dedicated volunteer at San Rafael Elementary and Blair High School as the Choir booster, James Coday Alliance For Arts Education, Blair PTSA Secretary, “Ovations” Musical Review, Cheer Squad Coach and much more and worked as a Substitute Teacher at Blair and Muir schools in Pasadena California. She recently secured passports for her and her children in pursuit of future plans for travel and study abroad. Michele was a very progressive visionary. Her life exemplified the expression, love isn’t love, until it’s given away. Michele Luise Bridges-Harris leaves a legacy to be continued by those who love and cherish the life she lived. Therefore, she leaves to celebrate this living legacy through her loving children, LaKecia, and Michael; her loving mother and father, Clarence and Ethel Bridges, her loving brothers; Clarence Jr., David and Darius and (Auntie Mom) Rose Boddie, three nieces: Dashaye, Shenikiqua, Stacy-Grace and two nephews Darius Jr. and Devante’ and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends for generations to come. LaKecia put it best with these words when asked what she would say about her mom, “My mom was a loving and caring mother, always there for us and anyone that had a need.”