Michelle Leann Brennan, 43, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, passed away on July 13, 2024 in her mother's home in Richmond Hill, GA. surrounded by her loving family.

She arrived in this world a tiny, but strong, and strong-willed, baby on Christmas Eve of 1980 to Carolyn S. Jenkins and Kelly O. Provence in Atlanta, Georgia. She was her older sister's, Kelly Sue, most beloved Christmas present from that moment on.

Michelle spent her early childhood and early adolescence attached at the hip to her older sister. They shared a love for the Provence family farm, rock music, and rain puddles. Kelly Sue and Michelle shared a special relationship throughout their entire lives, both fiercely independent, yet just as fiercely protective of each other through life's stressors.

She shared a love of athletics with her father, playing softball in childhood and soccer through high-school.

Her nephew will always remember her for their shared love of hot sauce and pocket-knives.

Her favorite place to be was at the beach. She spent a lot of time with her mother at Jekyll Island, where she fished, collected shells, watched dolphins, and also spent time with the rest of her family.  Michelle loved the ocean and her ashes have been scattered to the sea there. A memorial brick will be placed at the Georgia Sea Turtle Animal Rescue Center on the island in her honor.

From a young age, Michelle had a love of adventure and all nature, which she carried with her throughout her life. She loved all animals but shared a special connection with dogs. She was happiest when snuggled with a big fluffy pup. Her teen years spent in North Georgia with her father ignited a lifelong love of the natural world, being outdoors, and always taking the scenic route.

After high school, Michelle first studied at The Art Institute of Atlanta; she had an artistic flair all her own. She then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from State University of New York, Utica in 2005.

But what was best about Michelle was that she never forgot a friend or relative who needed care, or a celebration with a card, a gift, or the comfort of her quiet, reassuring presence. That was Michelle's greatest strength and greatest gift - her compassion for others - and anyone lucky enough to have known her will never forget her boundless empathy, kindness, and generosity of spirit.

So, the best way to memorialize Michelle is to reach out and celebrate all the love and milestones of your family and friends with absolute joy. She took care of her family and friends; she cared deeply for us all with an uncanny understanding of what we needed before we asked. Please remember to do the same for those you love while you can.

Michelle is survived by many who loved her. Among those are:

Carolyn Jenkins  - Mother
Kelly O. Provence – Father
Kelly S. Waller – Sister
Patrick O'Brien – Brother-In-Law
Leigh Hamilton Provence – Stepmother
Dolores J. Provence - Grandmother
John W. Provence – Uncle
Dan J. Provence – Uncle
Hayden W. Dean Ludin – Nephew
Sage A. Dean Ludin – Great Nephew
- and a great number of cousins who loved her.

She once wrote, the person she admired most was her Grand Dad, John E. Provence, who passed away in 1994.

~Verses of Wildflowers by Tom Petty

You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea

Sail away, kill off the hours

You belong somewhere you feel free…

​​You belong among the wildflowers

You belong somewhere close to me

Far away from your trouble and worry

You belong somewhere you feel free