Our dear Elissa Gail Michel passed away on April 8, 2023 after a six year battle with colon cancer. Born February 8, 1983 at Merced, CA, she became a servant of God unaware.

Appearing as a special needs child whose mental maturity stopped at twelve months, she served as God's secret agent to impact the lives of all who knew her. For forty years, she lived a simple life complicated by seizures, medications, and doctor visits. Yet, she had few concerns, provided we met her needs and she had a book to finger through. But in this simplicity, we learned how God values each life because He made each one precisely as He wanted, to serve His purposes. He reminded us that His Son died and rose again for each one regardless of their abilities or achievements.

God used Elissa to touch so many lives in such unexpected ways. God made her an unsuspected agent of spiritual growth, character development, and blessing in the mystery and challenge of who she was. We would not be who we are without Elissa in our lives.

Being nonverbal, she communicated a lot with her eyes. She could tell you she wanted more food or a drink or a book she wanted that wasn't hers. And when she said I love you by gazing into your eyes, it was impossible to look away. And if a smile accompanied her gaze, loving her back was irresistible.

Elissa, after fulfilling the purposes of God in her own generation, fell asleep and awoke in the personal presence of Jesus. We celebrate your promotion to heaven but will miss you until we can join you there.

Elissa leaves behind her parents, Robert and Sally Michel, her older sister Bethany Taylor and husband James, their sons Jordan and Parker of Meridian, Idaho, her younger brother Isaac Michel of Forney, TX, his daughter Lily and fianc Whitney Youzva of Garland, TX, Grandmothers Velma Michel and Mary Johnson of Baker City, OR, plus seven uncles, seven aunts, numerous cousins and dear friends. Preceded in death are her Grandfathers Claude Michel and John Johnson of Baker City, OR, uncle Paul Johnson of Dayton, OR, and cousin Joshua Johnson of West Point, UT.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church 801 W Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040 Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 3:30 in the Chapel. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 5 to 7 at Aria Funeral Home, 10116 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX.