Obituary

Michelle Lancia Butler was born on March 7, 1983, in Lake City, Florida, to Melvin and Betty Goggins, transitioning from this life on April 6, 2026. Michelle was raised in a loving family alongside her three brothers, MG, Marcus, and Michael, with whom she shared a close bond. From an early age, Michelle displayed a caring spirit, a love for learning, and a heart for helping others; qualities that would define her life and career.

Michelle grew up in church, Sunday school and sang in the choir at her family church souls Souls Harbor Church of God in Christ Lake City, Florida where her dad was Pastor and founder and Pastor. Michelle graduated in 2001 from Columbia high school Lake City, Florida where she was involved in the beta club yearbook club honor Society dance and cheer. Michelle had many friends growing up throughout her high school lifetime three of them, Melond, Dannett and Tiara remained friends throughout her adult life. Michelle was proceeded in death by her grandparents Creston and Geneva Nance, St. Louis, Missouri, Neptune and Emma Goggins, Jacksonville, Florida Aunt Barbara Jean Nance, St. Louis, Missouri uncles Nathaniel, Larry, Curtis Goggins all of Jacksonville, Florida.

Michelle completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she developed a strong foundation for her lifelong commitment to service and education. Her time at Bethune-Cookman helped shape her passion for empowering others and making a meaningful difference in her community. She furthered her education and obtained her Master's degree in Counseling Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services from Webster University.

Her relationship with Christ was the foundation beneath everything she did. Her faith was not merely practiced, but lived, visible in the way she loved and faced even the most difficult moments with peace and complete reliance in Him. Michelle had a beautiful gift and deep love for music, and for her, worship was never confined to a platform. It was a way of moving through life with intention, gratitude, and with her eyes always fixed on the Lord.

Above all, Michelle’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons, Cameron and Gavin Butler, whom she cherished deeply. Her love for them was evident in everything she did, and she took great pride in supporting, guiding, and encouraging them. She poured her heart into motherhood, nurturing her children with love, faith, and strength; a foundation that will continue to carry them forward.

Michelle was also a beloved friend to many. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and caring nature made people feel comfortable and valued. She had a way of uplifting others, offering encouragement, and showing compassion in both big and small ways. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

While our hearts grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing that Michelle is at peace and in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to live on through her sons, her family, her colleagues, and the many students whose lives she impacted.

Michelle Butler will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her commitment to helping others, and the love she shared so freely. Her voice may be silent now, but the melody she brought into this world, and the grace with which she followed the Lord will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories two sons, Cameron and Gavin Butler three brothers Melvin, Junior, Marcus and Michael Goggins; aunts and uncles Alfonso Goggins, (Gwendolyn), Vanessa Gail Allen, (Robert), Sandra Rackley, Brenda Dorsey, Bernice McClendon, Howard Jenkins)Wanda), Horace Jenkins, Nancy McBride (Ron), Athena Young (Roy), Creston Nance, Jr. ; God-brother, Derrick McAlister, best college friend Carla Bell. Many, cousins, nieces, nephews, classmates, and friends.