Racine- Michelle Thurman-Johnson, 51, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Monday, November 21, 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer.

A lifetime resident, Michelle was born in Racine on October 23, 1960 to the late Samuel Edward Thurman, Sr. and Mary Nell (nee: Duffy) Thurman. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1978 before going on to earn an Associates Degree in Administrative Assistant from Gateway Technical College. On October 18, 1997 at Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church, she was united in marriage to Timothy L. Johnson. Together, Michelle and Tim owned / operated TMI Daycare, where they have enhanced the lives of hundreds of children throughout our community since 1998.

Michelle was a member of Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church. Among her interests, she enjoyed singing – especially Gospel Music; crocheting; cooking; interior designing; and brushing up on her computer skills. Above all, Michelle loved children of all ages – especially the little ones from her daycare center.

Surviving are her loving husband, Timothy; sons, Michael D. Thurman, Timias D. Johnson and Tavell L. Johnson; daughter, Tavonna D. Johnson; grandchildren, Reginald N. Green, Samuel Thurman, Michael Thurman, Nathaniel Thomas, Melody Thurman and Tiyanna R. Johnson; one sister, Cynthia E. Hallie; two brothers, Anthony T. (Ann) Thurman and Aarone E. (Maria) Stephens; aunts, Bessie E. Thurman, Charlene Duffy and Georgia Beadles; uncle, Keith Duffy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   In addition to her parents, Michelle was preceded in death by her brothers, Samuel E. Thurman, Jr. and Terrell Stephens.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 10:30 am at Greater Mt. Eagle Missionary Baptist Church, 929 State St., with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9 -10:30 am. Interment will take place on Monday, November 28 ^th at 10:30 am at Graceland Cemetery (please meet at the front entrance).To ensure the perpetuity of Michelle's vision, monetary donations are being accepted for the TMI Daycare Trust Fund.

A special note of thanks to friends and family that cared for Michelle; also to our church families of Greater Mt. Eagle, Greater Grace Temple and St. Paul Baptist Church for the many prayers and acts of kindness offered during Michelle's journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!