Michelle M. Suggs

Michelle M. Suggs, 67, of Springfield died Tuesday March 20 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born on May 19. 1939 in Chicago, daughter of Blanche and James Patrick Murphy, who preceded her in death. She had a brother Larry Spiller who also preceded her in death. She married Guerry Suggs on June 24, 1961 at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church in Springfield.

Michelle grew up in Springfield and graduated from Chatham Glenwood High School. She graduated from Earlham College in 1961. Along with being a devoted mother and homemaker she was a member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, the EQ Chapter of PEO and Progress Circle of King’s Daughter’s Home. She was a long time member of the Springfield Art Association and served on the Board in various positions including President. She was a member of the Springfield Lincoln Library Board and served as President. She was also a Board member of the Rolling Prairie Library System. She was a member of the Illinois Library Association where she served on the Board. She was a Board member of the Springfield Urban League and served as Treasurer. She was a member of the Friends of Sangamon Auditorium and served on the Board. She was an active volunteer in Springfield School District 186, particularly Owen Marsh School and she was member of the Dubois School Hall of Fame. She volunteered with the Legislative Information Bureau and the League of Women Voters. She and her husband are members of the Sangamo Club and Illini Country Club. Michelle and Guerry are involved and support numerous organizations throughout the Springfield Community.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Guerry; her son, Gordon Suggs (wife, Laura), of Edgewood, Kentucky; two daughters, Nancy Rosse (husband, Jay) of Springfield and Margaret Herath (husband, John) of Swansea, Illinois; and eight grandchildren.

Services are under the direction of Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel where cremation rites were accorded and where friends may call from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 26, at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Julia Melgreen officiating and visitation beginning at 10:00. Interment will be private at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.