

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Michele Guevara, who left us on April 26, 2026, at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital.
Michele was born on March 29 in Cedartown, GA, and over the years, she built a life centered around family, resilience, and caring for others. She had a way of making people feel seen and welcome, whether through a conversation, a meal, or simply her presence.
She is survived by her husband, Salvador Guevara Reyes of Lakeland, TN; her father, Marion “Rickey” Miles of Eupora, MS; her mother, Jo Ann Petty of Starkville, MS; her sibling, Codey Armstreet of St. Louis, MO; and her children: Morgan Galvez (Daniel) of Lakeland, TN; Lorena Guevara (Erik) of Santa Maria, CA; Koltlyn Phillips (Edwin) of Starkville, MS; and Angel Reyes of Lakeland, TN. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Melita Galvez, Leilani and Cesar De La Cruz-Guevara.
Michele was more than just a wife, mother, or friend. Her love and kindness were always there when they mattered most. She had a personality that filled every room she entered—you always knew when she was there. She loved deeply and lived fully, finding joy in the simple, meaningful things. Whether she was in the kitchen cooking and baking for the people she loved, spending time with the students while substitute teaching at Lakeland Elementary School, tending to her small farm, or working on a new craft. Michele poured herself into everything she did without any intention of recognition. She found peace in creating, comfort in providing, and happiness in being surrounded by the life she built and the people around her.
Those who knew her will remember the little things just as much as the big ones: the way she laughed, the meals she cooked, the stories she told, and the profound strength and resilience she showed during hard times—qualities that embodied her unwavering faith and love of Christ. These are the things that will stay with us.
There’s no easy way to sum up a life like hers, because she meant something different to each of us. But what we all share is this: we were all loved BIG by her, and that love does not leave us without a mark. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the legacy she leaves behind.
"There are women who make things better… simply by showing up.
There are women who make things happen.
There are women who make their way.
There are women who make a difference.
And women who make us smile.
There are women of wit and wisdom who—through strength and courage—make it through.
There are women who change the world every day…Women like you."
-Ashley Rice
A Celebration of Michele’s life will be held on May 2, 2026, from 5: P.M. to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Bartlett, TN. A funeral service will be held by Bro. Mark Mayo on May 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Eupora, MS. Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Pilkington, Tyler Pilkington, Andy McCool, Peter Miles, Tino Cortez, Salvador Rodriguez, Eduardo Flores, and Carlos Borja.
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