Michelle Denise Harris was born November 13, 1968 in East Saint Louis, Illinois to the union of Bobby and Juanita Wren Harris.

At an early age, Michelle accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the previous leadership of Reverend Dr. John H. Rouse.

Michelle was proudly educated in the East Saint Louis Public School System. She is a proud member of the 1986 Graduating Class of Lincoln Senior High School. After graduating from Lincoln Senior High School, Michelle pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, Michelle became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Alpha Theta Chapter). Upon graduating, Michelle returned to her hometown of East Saint Louis, Illinois and began her teacher career at Miles D. Davis Elementary School where she taught 5th grade for many years before returning to her Alma Mater Lincoln (now Lincoln Middle School) where she taught Mathematics. Just a fun fact, Michelle had the pleasure of teaching her daughter Bria at Lincoln, as well.

Michelle was a beautiful soul who would give the shirt off her back to anyone. If she could help you or encourage you, she would. Michelle enjoyed spending time with her only daughter, Bria Jones Penilton as well as her son-in-law, Ajacca "Tojo" Penilton, Jr., and her pride and joy...her grandson whom she affectionately called "Baby Tre."

Michelle also enjoyed educating young minds of tomorrow, giving back to her community and volunteering when she could, spending time with her family, traveling when she could, watching sports and attending sporting events, keeping updated on the latest news, shopping, and managing her real estate properties.

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, God decided to peacefully call his Angel home surrounded by her loved ones.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Bobby and Juanita Wren Harris; her only brother, Kendrick Lee Harris; and her grandparents, Feddow and Esther Lee Harris. Michelle leaves to cherish her precious memories with her only child, daughter, Bria Shane Jones-Penilton; her son-in-law, (whom she loved as her own child) Ajacca "Tojo" Penilton Jr., her pride and joy, her precious grandson, Ajacca "Tre" Wren Penilton III (whom she affectionately called "Baby Tre"), a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly.