Surrounded by the love of her friends and family, Michelle Ann Cabiness, was called into His eternal home at age 56 on 1 May 2024, in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. The second eldest of four born to Bonniette and James Cabiness Sr., Michelle was born on 30 June 1967, and brought with her an unmatched personality and perspective on life.
The first introduction Michelle made to anyone who crossed her path with her infectious smile that quickly became contagious to those who were lucky enough to know her vibrant spirit. If she could find a reason to celebrate and party, you would easily find Michelle at the center of the room, ready to show off her dance moves, making sure to bring along that smile of hers for the whole crowd to enjoy. When Michelle wasn’t celebrating, she was racing, being an active participant in the Special Olympics, running events and becoming an athlete in her own right. And just as she lived, she loved…with a persistent passion for her family, being a protector of her siblings, Marvin, Jimmy and Cher, demonstrating to all the true embodiment of family, love, and devotion. She was not afraid to make it known who she was and what she cared about, facing life with resiliency others only hope to emulate.
Michelle is survived by her parents, Bonnette and James Cabiness Sr.; her brother, Marvin Cabiness; her brother and sister-in-law, James Jr. (Jimmy) & Evette Cabiness; her sister and brother-in-law, Sharmeen (Cher) and Marshall Goatley; her nephews and nieces, Anthony Avalos, Jamar and his wife Tamara Goatley, Marissa Cabiness, and Khalia Goatley, and many more aunts, uncles, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved deeply. Lastly, a special mention to the women who became an honorary aunt to Michelle, Helen Wiley.
Michelle was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother and grandfather, Cleveland and Herman Anderson Sr., and her paternal grandmother and grandfather, Ruth and Robert Morrow.
In a moment like this, to look back and describe Michelle as only confident, loving, and fun is too limiting. Michelle was a unicorn among unicorns. She was strong; she was stubborn; she was fierce. It is unquestionable Michelle will be deeply missed by the village that stood with her, but we will continue to represent and show up for her as she did in life for us.
As one of Michelle’s favorite characters, Mickey Mouse, would say:
“I will always be there with you, right there in your heart.”
A visitation for Michelle will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas 79904, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Graveside service will be Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue, El Paso, Texas.
