On Friday, August 23, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, Samuel & Amy Gilchrist were blessed with a beautiful baby girl Michelle Denise Gilchrist. It was a cloudy but warm day. There is no greater joy than having your firstborn child. They later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where Michelle attended IS33 and PS297, where she was in the choir under the direction of the late Rev. James Cleveland. Years later, her mother moved them to Camden, AR, where she entered the 9 ^th grade at Camden High School. Michelle was active in the band and choir. After graduation in 1981, she attended Georgetown University and later moved back to Camden. She continued her education at Southern Arkansas University in Camden, AR.

Michelle was very active in the community. She played softball in the women's league, was a bowler for over 20 years, a reserve officer with the county where she was security for games and other functions of the city. She enjoyed talking to people, and no one was a stranger.

She loved to play the drums and bongos. Michelle was a member of numerous choirs: Greater St Paul, Hickory Ridge, Eldorado Community Choir, Shinning Light Christian Ministry, Mt Hebron Baptist Church, Greater Bradley District Choir, Koinonia of Grace, Keith and Wright Reunion Choir, and Second Baptist Choir. She was also a member of the beautification ministry at Second Baptist Church.

Michelle was not just a member of the church; she was committed and active. Her joy was working with the youth, creating plays, teaching songs, and arts and crafts at vacation bible schools. Spending numerous hours making props for plays and making sure everyone knew their parts. In addition, she served as choir director for youth and adult choirs.

Michelle joined Second Baptist Church in 2011 under the leadership of Dr. Kevin A. Kelly, where she drove over 100 miles to attend church and choir rehearsals. On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, she joined Fellowship Christian Church as a charter member under Dr. Kelly. She was excited about serving in her new capacity.

When asked to speak on a program, Michelle was always jubilant. Some would say she was a bootleg preacher. She recently completed her Associate Degree in Theology at Spiritual Revelations Kingdom of God Theological Institute and planned to complete her bachelor's in theology.

However, a hard worker on numerous jobs, Resource Officer at Camden Fairview High School for the Ouachita County Sheriff was a dream come true. Michelle made history by being the first black female deputy for the county. She had a gift for working with young people and exemplified it on her job at the High School. The students respected her because she gave them respect. Officer Armstrong wore her uniform with pride!

Michelle was a family person. Who was known as "Chelle." Her mother was her pride and joy, always in her heart. She loved her boys with everything she had and made sure they were provided with what they needed. She would always get together with her sisters Beverly, Kassandra, and Kim, who shared a bond so full of love and admiration for each other. Michelle was the one who found family members and stayed connected to them—often stopping in Arkadelphia coming from church to visit her family there. Although many can call her friend, you would most often see her and her best friend Diann Epps always together, going somewhere to church, fishing, bowling, concerts, or visiting each other's family.

Her love, smile, and compassion were genuine. Keewan's upcoming marriage to Sydney Holmes brought joy to her life and the anticipation of having grandchildren. Michelle may have departed this earth, but her legacy will live on in our lives forever. Her favorite saying was, "They will be all right!"

Michelle transcended to her new home on Monday, September 6, 2021. Her beautiful life and legacy will be cherished by her loving mother Amy Gilchrist of (Camden, AR), Sons Keewan Kelly (Maumelle, AR), and Keenan Armstrong of (Camden, AR). Her sisters Beverly Gulley, Kassandra Gilchrist, Kim Gilchrist of (Camden, AR), and Bridgette Gilchrist of (Brooklyn, NY). Her best friend, Diann Epps (Camden, AR). Her future daughter n law Sydney Holmes (Maumelle, AR), Her Nieces, Asia Hill & Emon Gilchrist of (Camden, AR), Nephews Desmond Williams, Deon Gilchrist, and Eric Bigby of (Camden, AR). Her Aunts: Inez McRae of (Camden, AR), Nancy Rasberry of (Columbia, SC), and Vera Ellis of (Cleveland, OH). Uncle Henry Bell of (Arkadelphia, AR). Special cousins Derwin Ellis of North Carolina, Vikita Bell Hardwick and Vanita Giles of (Arkadelphia, AR), and Vicki Eason of (Fayetteville, AR). Kathy Leslie, and Karen Ellis Hall of (Cleveland, OH). Dorine Smith and Denise Gilchrist Gentry of (Brooklyn, NY). Many cousins, family, and friends.

Gone from us her smiling face and cheerful, pleasant ways, A heart that won so many friends, Oh how happy were our days. Michelle's life was made beautiful by the kind deeds she always did for others. She was always lending a helping hand to others in need. However, to a beautiful life comes a happy end. Michelle died as she lived, EVERYONE's friend. By Diann Epps