The word family comes to mind when I think of Michelle. I remember when you were born and she was so excited for the joy you would bring to your family. The living room was filled with toys and everything you needed to keep busy. She loved just being with you. She often mentioned the happiness you brought to her life and how she simply loved being a mother. Each of your siblings brought joy into her life but you completed the family. You spent a lot of time in our home with my youngest daughter and your sweet spirit always shined. I always felt like I could see so much of Michelle in you when you found joy in the simplest of things. Your contagious smile at a young age reminded me a lot of your Mom. Always smiling - no matter what the day would bring. Being a mom meant everything to Michelle. ❤️

Imani… one word comes to mind when I think about your Mom - service!
Our older kids were in the high school band together. It was very demanding on the kids. They always needed parent volunteers too. So, your Mom would always sign up. Then she would call me to be sure I signed up too. There were many times I did not feel like going. But, I went and we had a blast serving the kids together. There was always always always laughter! Your Mom was very happy even under lots of pain and worries. She was a wonderful example to me.
When the band would go on competition trips (like state) we would chaperone together. We were always roomies and bus partners. She made sure all were safe and keeping the rules - she did it with a smile, never demanding.
Whenever I hear a band or see our high school band I think about your Mom and all the fun we had together.

Happiest Birthday Imani!!!❤️❤️

Your mama was such a beautiful, strong, hard working women. Not only that, she was an amazing mama, sister, daughter, and friend. Growing up with your mama as my older sister, it was definitely tough, I was always “Mikey’s”sister, “that was your mama’s nickname” your mama’s smile could light up the room, her laugh would make you laugh.. she was such a People person, a giving person, she always wanted to help people, and put a smile on everyone’s face. She was the top softball player, church basketball player, Volleyball player.. but she was my biggest supporter, always at my sporting events ..” I took on soccer, to have my own thing.. lol!! Your mama did not play that lol.. but she was there to support me. I alway knew she would always be a great mom, she was “mama Michelle/sister to me. I looked up to your mama in so many ways growing up as her younger sister. Your mama was so strong! Definitely a “Tough Mudder” to live up to!!

When it came to her babies, you, Payton, Antonio, Malik, and Jacqui, you were her world. She wanted to be involved in everything she could. Be your biggest supporter!! I once told your mama “I wish I could do those things that do with your kid’s” When your mama had her mind set on doing something.. it was happening.. she didn’t want to miss a minute with all of you!!!

She 100% percent would always make sure she was there if she could be at any event for all of her children. You all were her everything her world… I remember her sending me pictures when she wasn’t feeling so good.. but there she is, in the water with you… walks, watching the eclipse with your protective glass… she did it!!

Imani, your mama was one amazing human!❤️❤️
* shared some pictures I had .. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!! ❤️Auntie MJ, your cousin Tyanah and Jose Quezada

I met your mom when she first moved to Frisco, but got really close to her during the last year of her life. The thing I will always remember most about her is how fiercely she loved her children. She was a very involved mom and was always present at sporting events, school functions, band competitions, etc and she loved to volunteer and contribute to whatever activities her kids we involved in.

She once told me how much she wanted to be there to walk you into school on your first day of Kindergarten. I really wish she could have been there physically, but I know she was there watching over you in spirit and always will be there watching over you.

I’d also like to share with you a few of the things I loved most about your mom. First off, she was a genuine person. She had strong opinions and was not afraid to stand up for what she believed. She was a hard worker and liked to challenge herself (like when she competed in the Tough Mudder event). She believed in persevering even when things were tough and always tried to instill the value of hard work in her children. She was always thinking of how she could help others. One time during her cancer treatment when she was very sick, she volunteered helping serve dinner to the kids in the marching band Antonio was a part of. There was a bunch of leftover food that might have been thrown away, but she took it home and saved it and then brought it to church and gave it to people that she thought might be in need. She was always doing little things like that to try to help others.

I also loved how fun she was to be around. She had a great laugh and was always up for an adventure.

I also want you to know that you brought so much joy into her life (as did all your siblings). Being a mom truly was her greatest joy.

Hi Imani, I met your mom first time at a school event for Payton where she was a volunteer mom and subsequently all the times I met her was at school volunteering or helping out teachers. She was a hard working mom always engaged with the kids and teachers and mostly cheering for Payton. 

Hi Imani! I met your mom just a couple years before she died. I would give her rides sometimes to a meeting we both attended Sunday nights and we became friends. She liked to talk about her kids because she was so proud of them. One night when we were talking in the car, she mentioned how sad she was because she knew you would not be able to remember her after she died since you were so young. I remember she turned and looked at me and said, “will you please make sure Imani knows how much I love her?” I promised her I would tell you. I have often thought about that promise over the past few years and have wondered when I would have the opportunity to fulfill it, so I’m grateful your dad created this website for me to be able to tell you! Imani, you mom loves you SO SO much!!! I hope you know that. You brought so much joy into your mom’s life and into your whole family’s life during a time that was very hard and sad and scary. Her love for you made your mom smile and light up with happiness. It’s impossible for me to explain fully just how much she loves you, but hopefully one day when you are a mom you will have a bit of an understanding. She is watching you from heaven. She loved you fiercely while she was here and she still does!

I was your next-door neighbor in Frisco. I still remember how joyful your Mom was to be pregnant with you, even though she was sick at the time! Making sure you were born healthy was her biggest priority. She loved each of her children and was very sad to know she wouldn't see you grow up! I know she is smiling down from heaven on each of you, and she's so proud of the last gift God gave her before she left this earth! That gift was you, Imani!

Michelle was an amazing mother and wife

I have known your mom since she was 10 or 11. We went to church together in Illinois. My daughter Charlotte used to babysit your sisters and brothers years later.
The last time I saw your mom I got to meet you too. Charlotte and I were in the Salt Lake Airport waiting for our plane to board and your mom came walking through the terminal with you in a front carrier pack. I was so happy to see her. You were both on your way to Rexburg to help your sister settle in for school. I got to hold you for a few minutes while Charlotte helped your mom with something. She was so proud of her sweet baby girl.
Your mom is beautiful, smart, funny and loving. She almost always had a smile on her face. She is loved and missed by so many. I am sure you will continue to grow and make her proud.