Ms. Charlotte Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith came into this world on July 24, 1970, a true blessing to her mother, Charlotte (Smith) Qualls and Anthony Smith. Michelle was member of Gospel Tabernacle UHC, pastor Bishop J. Derrick Johnson. She was raised in Columbus, Ohio and attended Columbus Public Schools – always earning A’s on her report cards – and was chosen to work in the school office. Michelle was a gifted musician and found that she had a talent playing the flute and oboe and joined the marching band at Mifflin High School. Under the “strong” direction of her brother, Anthony Smith, she played softball and participated in gymnastics.

After high school, she attended Columbus State College and studied Early Childhood Education. After college, she took a position with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority for almost 10 years as a Section 8 Clerk, working with hundreds of families and counseling those in need of housing.

When Michelle was 6 years old, she became a member of the Prince of Peace COGIC – now the Temple of Faith COGIC – along with her family. During that time, Michelle gave her life to the lord and as a gifted singer, she lent her voice to numerous choirs and worship teams. As a young girl, Michelle would bring the house down at church, singing “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”

Michelle was not to be trifled with when it came to sports – you did not want to get caught in conversation saying anything negative about her beloved Michigan Wolverines or Los Angeles Lakers. This love of the game was of course taught and encouraged by her brother Tony, who lovingly referred to her as “Kiko”. Michelle answered to so many names, as she came to be affectionately known by many as “Aunt Mimi”. (“Aunt Mimi Cuz” by Isaiah who had the kind of relationship with her that was so close, it was unclear whether she was aunt or cousin.)

Despite her struggles over the years with mental illness, Michelle always kept a smile on her face and light and love just poured out of her. We all count ourselves truly blessed to have been a part of Michelle’s life and are thankful for the memories we will forever hold in our hearts.

Michelle is preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Qualls, her uncle Jim and lovely aunt Sharon, as well as cousins Marquis and Damien, and niece Stephanie Danielle.

Left to share and remember her life of love are her mother Charlotte; brother Tony; aunts Delores, Jodell and Alta; uncle Danny (Carolyn); and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation 6:00 PM and Funeral Service 7:00 PM Friday, January 20, 2023 at Temple of Faith, 1441 Brentnell Ave.