On October 22, 2016, Michelle L. West-Robinson received her wings. Michelle left us after a sudden and unexpected illness. She is preceded in death by her stepfather, the late Donald R. McKinney. She is survived by her only child: Kaleighan N. (Matthew) Strickland of Silverland, WA, her father and stepmother: Benjamin E. and Ella Mae West Sr. of Lakeland and her mother: Joy Brock-McKinney of Ridge Manor. She is further survived by her sister: Charmin West-Palmer of Lakeland, one brother: Benjamin E. (Jennifer) West Jr., and her sister: Shannon L. (Jeremy) McKinney-McGuire of Ridge Manor. She also leaves behind many, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins both near and far, whom she dearly loved.

Michelle was born in Dade City, Florida on September 30, 1966 and spent most of her life here. Only moving to South Carolina in early 2000, where she resided until 2013, when she returned home, where most of her family remains.

Michelle spent her adult career in the supermarket industry as an accomplished meat cutter. At the time she began, female meat cutters were not the norm. She had the distinction of having worked for 3 of the largest supermarkets in the southeast.

Michelle had the soul of an artist and next to spending time with her family, her favorite things were drawing, journaling, and corresponding with pen pals, some of whom she has corresponded with for over 15 years. She enjoyed reading and trying new recipes. There are no words to express what a beautiful and loving person our Michelle was and how much she will be missed by those whos lives she touched.

There will be a celebration of life in her honor on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 3-4 at Hodges Family Funeral Home on Hwy 301 in Dade City.

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center