Michele R. Smith King

Michele R. Smith King, 56, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, A beloved mother, daughter, sister cousin and friend passed away March 6, 2025. She was born on July 4, 1968, in Massillon, Ohio to William Smith, Sr., and Betty Smith.

Michele, a graduate of Washington High School, went on to receive her associate degree in computer programming from Stark State College and a bachelor's degree in business management from Malone University. She worked at Prairie Farms, providing information technology solutions. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 7 years in the research and resolve center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Affordable Care Act, identifying potential trends and risks. She has worked in the IT field for over 35 years. She’s held various positions from Sr. EDI specialist to Software Engineer.

Growing up in Massillon, she was a member of Shiloh Baptist church where she was a part of the youth group and youth choir. She later became a member of the Love Church in Belleville, IL where Pastor Montonio Weatherall presides. She was a dedicated and faithful servant and was recently nominated volunteer of the month. Michele served on several ministries including the Assimilation Ministry where she offered a welcoming hand to new partners joining the church. She was involved in the Events Ministry which includes the premier events center where she was a team lead assisting in hosting events and served as a supervisor on the gift shop ministry.

Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of being a mom. Michele’s love for her son Michael, was one of great joy and pride. She cherished every moment spent with him and he was the center of her world. She was his biggest cheer leader, never missing a basketball game or school event. Her love for him was boundless, and she poured her heart into supporting his dreams. He was, without a doubt, the person she cared for most in this world.

Michele is preceded in death by, her father William H. Smith Sr.

She is survived by her son Michael King, mother, Betty J. Smith, brothers, William (Jai) Smith, Jr., Tracy (Stacie) Smith, Mark (Denise) Smith, close cousin Bernard Bruner, sister like friends Angela Chappell and Marquita Bruner, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Visitation will take place from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 1, burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

To share a memory of Michele or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.