Michelle Leigh Pruett Johnson, 47, of Waco, passed suddenly on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Visitation: 6-8pm Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Service: 1pm Friday October 4, 2024 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial: 2:30pm Friday October 4, 2024 at Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, Tx.
Michelle Leigh Pruett Johnson was born March 17,1977 in Waco, to Phyllis (Plemons) Pruett Blackwood and Lynol (Butch) Eugene Pruett. Michelle came into the world at birth fighting for life and was care-flighted to Temple Scott & White where she spent the first two weeks of her life in the NICU. Michelle quickly started to thrive and enjoy life in school, church and family. She accepted Christ and was baptized at the age of 13 years old. Michelle and her family were members of Speegleville Community Baptist Church where there was not a baptistery so people could have the choice of being baptized in Hog Creek or The First Baptist Church of Crawford. This was a quick decision for Michelle since she had a fear of water and every crawling creature in it. Michelle, Robert & Sarah are members of Crestview Church of Christ of Waco.
Michelle spent her early elementary years at Bosqueville Elementary and then transferred to Crawford in the sixth grade and continued until she graduated in the Class of ’95. Michelle was an excellent student and loved being involved in all the small town activities. She continued her education at MCC receiving her associate’s degree then on to UMHB for her bachelor’s degree in professional studies. Michelle’s friendships she made with her college roommates were lifelong treasures in her life.
Just as the caterpillar goes from the cocoon to the beautiful butterfly, Michelle was not a politician, doctor, lawyer, inventor or someone else you would think about changing the world. However, she was that butterfly. The one that fluttered her wings ever so slightly, other times more fiercely, to change her world. From the time of her marriage to her sweetheart, Robert, on September 25, 2004, Michelle was the person behind the scenes of life. She was the one who kept life organized for her beautiful rainbow daughter, Sarah, and Robert, her doting husband. She kept the home running, managed the bills, arranged the car rides and the family get togethers. The flap of her wings did not end there. Her long time friend group since college and her friends from her Kiddieland job felt her wings as she planned their traditional get togethers, ensuring they all stayed in touch.
The power of her wings spread through Girl Scouts with her daughter’s first troop and later with her current troop. She was the wizard behind the curtain on the famous cookie sales, but even more, kept all noted deadlines for events, awards, trainings and more. She reminded the leader she did not have to move the world alone, and she kept that promise. The quivering effect moved to the Girl Scout service unit for all of Waco, where she continued helping with fall product sales, served as registrar and secretary. Most of Michelle’s work experience was in the field of education, ranging from higher education to elementary. At all levels she helped students with the goal of being successful. Her last position was her favorite and that was a PEIMS Specialist at Hillcrest Professional Development School. Many times, Michelle mentioned how she felt valued and respected by the administration. All her interactions ensured her wings could be felt through generations to come. The twitching of her wings did not stop with her friends, volunteering and work. The wind moved by her wings could be felt by her friends and “coparents” of all Sarah’s classmates. Michelle was the monitor that kept all on target, so everyone knew what and when, how and why. She was Sarah’s biggest cheerleader, especially July 10, 2024, when Sarah accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized by her granddaddy. Michelle was always gleaming with joy as she watched Sarah set goal after goal to achieve big dreams every year. She was the manager behind all of Sarah’s endeavors. She was the hidden key to success for Sarah. Sarah was her pride, her greatest accomplishment. She moved the world for Sarah! She was the home front commander in chief. Michelle kept Robert in line, told him to be where and when. Let me tell you, he did exactly what he was told. It was a smooth operating machine. She loved Robert deeply, calling him to make sure he was on his way home safely. But the love was reciprocated as Robert strived always to hang the moon, arrange the stars, and build the universe for Michelle.
Michelle lost her dad as a teenager, and she stated often she was a lot like her dad. She was even more like her mom though, keeping everyone on point. Her relationship grew with her mom from “Mom and daughter” to “best friends”. They were there for each other. Her stepdad Larry had no step, for Larry was her dad, not the replacement, but the gift of a father who she could always count on no matter the request.
Michelle’s body was the villain of her story. Her body left medical professionals baffled as she fought its battles, she kept going with the gentle beating of her wings. She could not stop the attacks on her body, but with each setback she rose with more determination to win. Michelle’s body may have won the battle, but with the fluttering and rhythm of her wings, Michelle conquered the world. Her impact will continue to be felt by many in the years to come. We can rest assured that Michelle is no longer in pain and enjoying her great rewards with Jesus.
Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Butch Pruett; maternal grandparents, Jim and Winnie Plemons; paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Kay Pruett and a beloved cousin, Larry Plemons.
Left to treasure her memory is husband, Robert; daughter, Sarah; mother and dad, Phyllis and Larry Blackwood; brother, Robert (Kathryn) Pruett; sisters, Erika (Donnie) Hutsell and Patty Egesdahl; step-brothers, Jeff Blackwood and Jason (Misty) Blackwood; parents-in-law Bob and Pat Johnson; brother-in-law, Kevin (Jennifer); sisters-in-law, Lisa Phillips and Stacey Brown (Eric); Uncles, Ron (Sharon) Pruett, Donald (Donna) Plemons, Jimmy Plemons; special nephew, Robert Pruett Jr., US Navy and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with many treasured friends that were just like family.
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Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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Prayers for Robert and Sarah. She is in heaven with God with a new body. Till we meet again!
May God bless your family during this great loss. Michelle was such a wonderful person and was a part of such a wonderful family. There really aren’t enough words to describe how wonderful she was and how much she meant to so many people. She will be missed, but we will see her again in Heaven.
Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry about your precious loss. God bless you all
What a beautifully written obituary telling what an incredible person Michelle was. Praying for comfort for all those deeply affected by her leaving. May it be of comfort to know she is safe in heaven’s arms.
I pray God will send His peace and strength to Sarah and Robert and all who loved Michelle. I was blessed to have her as a student and colleague.
Michelle was such a kind and amazing individual who will be missed tremendously. Prayers for her loving family who are having to learn how to navigate life without their rock. Heaven has gained a true angel with Michelle.
Prayers for the whole family. Michelle was a dear friend and will be deeply missed. She was always smiling and so uplifting to those around.
Take your rest! Sweet Michelle ❤️ Sincere condolences and sympathy to the entire family!
The most sweetest and helping hand of a woman! I will forever cherish our memories as I cared for Sarah during her toddler/pre-school years at MCC child development center. Thinking of you all.
Oh Phyllis. I am so sad to hear of this. I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. May God give you peace and comfort. Michelle was one of the sweetest people I know. Cheryl Morgan
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember when Michelle was born. I am praying for everyone to be comforted by God’s mercy and presence.
Gladys Hammic
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all. You will be missed.
Sending sincere prayers of comfort and condolences to the entire family of Michelle Pruett Johnson, May the peace of God be with you! (John 14:1-4)
So sad to hear of Michelle’s death. My prayers for Robert, Sarah and family.
What a wonderful tribute to Michelle and her life!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Michelle, you are at peace now!
Your MCC friend
Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear this about Michelle. She was a great MCC colleague. My sincere condolences to the family.
I will miss seeing Michelle at work. She was a kind and beautiful person. I am praying for her family. Peace and blessings to you.
Phyllis I’m so sorry for your loss! Praying for God to wrap you and the family in His comforting arms.
I rejoice with you, that Michelle has found glory – and I mourn with you that she is no longer here with everyone who loves her! My “mother’s heart” breaks for you Phyllis – I know how close you’all were – please know you are loved and in my prayers. Robert – may God bless you with strength and sweet memories – and hold you and Sarah, and all the family, in His loving arms. 🙏
Phyllis and Robert,
I am so sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. She was a wonderful and beautiful person inside and out. I loved talking to her when she would come in the Personnel Office at MCC when I worked there. She always had a smile on her face and beautiful or a funny story to share. She will be missed by so many. Prayers, hugs and love to your family.
So very sorry for your loss of such a beautiful and wonderful person.
Robert, Sarah, Phyllis, and all of Michelle’s loved ones are in my prayers. I am heartbroken at her loss, and so grateful for the time we had together as colleagues and friends.
Phyllis, I am so sorry for your loss and that of the whole family. Michelle was my first work study when I started at MCC years ago. She was such a joy and help in my orientation to my job. Throughout my years at MCC she was always a wonderful colleague and friend. She will be missed.
My prayers to the whole family in the knowledge that she is at peace.
Sincerest condolences to Michelle’s close and extended family which includes her many Waco ISD and Hillcrest PDS friends. Thank you for sharing her with us.
My sincerest condolences to all of Michelle’s family!
Michelle’s bright smile was a wonderful sight to see during our work days.
What heart-breaking news. This is so, so hard. May God comfort you all and send strength, help, and hope every time you need it