Michelle Detrice Grace was born on October 24, 1967 in Detroit, MI. She passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025 in Georgia with her dear sister Claudia caring for her. Michelle was born to proud parents Carolyn Louise Marshall and Sidney Claude Grace. Her father Sidney preceded her in death also stepfather Harry Cook.  Michelle was a beloved mother to Felianna Badji.  She was the eldest of five children; Claudia Grace Gathers, Andre Latef Grace Sr. who also preceded her in death, Nshombe Cook Williams, and Akoswa Cook Coward.  Michelle was a spiritual person. She was baptized in 1978 and was a member of Middlebelt Baptist Church Inkster, MI.

As a youth Michelle was always on the fast track, she song in the church choir, she was first a Bluebird of the Camp Fire Girls organization, and then a Camp Fire Girl. She gained work experience through summer positions within the Westland school system and at fast food establishments.

Michelle was educated in the Wayne Westland School System graduating for Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, MI. in the Wayne Westland School District. Michelle went to college at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI. After a short stay she felt a strong calling to join the US Air Force In 1988.  April 2, 1991 Michelle’s family in   Michigan received a letter of congratulations that informed us Michelle was promoted to Senior Airman.

Michelle achieved numerous accomplishments, including participating in triathlons. Spending many years as a vegan she was always very health conscious. Never diagnosed with any serious illness that required prescribed medications. She managed teams of more than one hundred people in the Air Force and in her civilian positions. Michelle held a top secret security clearance, which she obtained through her efforts.  She worked for Northrop Grumman aerospace defense company also for the US Navy.  Michelle lived and traveled all over the world living in Italy and Germany. After the military she made her home in Virginia.  During the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 Michelle was working at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia when a plane hit the Pentagon. She was given special accommodation for her heroic acts of saving the children in the day care.

Michelle leaves to cherish her loving memory:   Her only child daughter Felianna (Feli) Badji/ Feli father Yves Badji/Marthe,

Mother Carolyn/Richard Perkins, Jr. AKA Pop’s bonus dad.

Four Sisters; “The Angel” Claudia Grace Gathers, Nshombe Cook Williams/Jonathan, Akoswa Cook Coward/Galen, and Tiffany Tall.

Three bonus Brothers; Jermaine Smith, David Scruggs and Richard Perkins III.

Two Aunts; Clementine/Earl Colbert and Theresa Cook Edmondson.

Three uncles; Rufus Marshall (preceded in death), Alfonzo Marshall/Rhonda, and James Grace/Pat.

Seven nephews; Charles, Williams, Andre Jr., Felix, Coleon, Angelo, and Galen.

One great-niece Paris. One great nephew Ky’leef and a host of cousins and friends.

Extend family; Patricia/Frank Strong, and William Gathers Sr.

Military family; Tom/Selma, Ressie/Archie, Bunmi, Noelle, Buzz/Brandy, and George.

Two very loving caregivers; Lanji and Erika.

Other endeavors; she was a gifted knitter and author.