Michelle Wilson

Michelle Wilson (affectionately known to her family as Pepe) was born on February 8, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York, to Doris G. Long.  During her youth, she moved to Staten Island and graduated from Notre Dame Academy High School (Staten Island).  She attended Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus and College of Staten Island.

In March of 1994, Michelle began her career with the New York State Department of Corrections (NYSDOC) working at the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility.  She ultimately concluded her 24-year career with NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS) as an Office Assistant 1, Keyboarding Specialist.    Prior to her becoming part of the NYSDOC family, Michelle was employed with JP Morgan Chase Bank in their corporate offices at the Wall Street headquarters in Manhattan.

Michelle enjoyed various types of artistic expression in the world.  However, music would come to be her favorite. Whether it be the latest pop tune she couldn’t stop humming or the soulful Gospel music that brought her closer to Jesus, she was moved by music and thus it often filled her days.  An avid reader and learner, The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, had permanent residence on her bookshelf. Additionally, Michelle would focus on writings about wellness and healing, nutrition and mindfulness.  Another of the joys in her life was going to the movies.  Many a Saturday her mother would wake up looking for her, Michelle would be gone all day, only to come home late in the evening to say that she had spent the day at the movies.  At home she could be found watching Joel Osteen sermons and most recently enjoying the figure-skating competition of the Olympics.

She enjoyed looking out the window, people watching.  She could often be seen sitting outside in the backyard or on the front steps enjoying the sunshine, great weather, and chatting with the neighborhood children whom often stopped by to ask about her when she wasn’t well. Michelle valued her family and friends more than material things and enjoyed the simple things in life. Her reserved, understated, and no-nonsense nature belied the vivacious personality underneath. She was always positive and looked on the bright side for her blessings.

A warm and loving family member, friend and coworker, Michelle never wanted to impose on others.  She was very independent and thoughtful regarding the feelings of others.  She had a heart for anyone in distress and could always be counted on to lend a hand or give support.

Michelle cherished her privacy and solitude.  It was in the midst of this peaceful time of reflection that her relationship with the Lord grew as she communed with Jesus.  Above all, Michelle loved the Lord and reading the Bible. Her favorite scripture was Isaiah 58:6-9.  She had a special place in her heart for her mother.  Her greatest joy was seeing the smile on her mother’s face and making her laugh.

On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, Michelle Wilson went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Michelle leaves to cherish fond memories, her mother, Doris G. Long, her brother Christopher M. Long, her brother Gerald “Jerry” P. Long (predeceased), her nephew, Gerald “Little Jerry” Long, her four aunts; Eleanor E. Long, Ethel B. Hedgepeth, Evangelist Rena E. Long, Mary G. Odehnal, one uncle Arthur H. Long Jr., (predeceased) and a host of cousins, relatives, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

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