Michele Gabrielle Johnson

Michele Gabrielle Johnson, nee Tullier, was born January 6, 1956 in Galveston, Texas, and passed from this life at age 64 on December 6, 2020 in Manteno, IL, peacefully at home, after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, Clint Johnson.

Michele was born to the late Paul and Maria (Platanassiotou) Tullier, and was the only daughter of 6 children. She was preceded in death by her brothers Christopher (Jenny), Philip, and Peter, and is survived by brothers Stephen, and John (Jessica). Beloved mother of Andrew (Molly) and Rebecca (Ian), and stepmother of Lucas (Katie) Johnson and Stacy (Alex) Johnson. Adored Auntie Mimi to Adam, Grant, Jessy, Holly, Alison, Nik and Karissa. Loving grandmother of Milo.

Michele was born in Galveston, TX, and her family moved to Park Forest, IL when she was three, where she grew up. She is a graduate of Rich East High School in Park Forest, IL, Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, and Bradley University in Peoria, IL, earning a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She also attended Finch College in New York City, and Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, LA. She worked as a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist during her 35-year career, in hospital and clinical settings. Early in her career, one of her patients was rock singer Meat Loaf. She taught undergraduate and graduate level classes in Communications Disorders at Governors State University in University Park, IL and at St Xavier University in Chicago, IL. She was a fierce advocate for children and for child health and safety all during her life.

As a girl, Michele was an enthusiastic member of 4-H, and won an award for her bicycle safety program. While attending college in New York City, Michele modeled for fashion designer Halston. Michele also loved the theater, performing in productions of Godspell, Summer and Smoke, and South Pacific, and worked as a stage crew member on a number of shows. She traveled around the world during her life, and could speak Greek, French, Arabic, and American Sign Language. She sang as cantor for a number of years at Infant Jesus Of Prague Church in Flossmoor, IL. Michele's greatest joys include her family, singing to classic rock with the car windows or top down, and her ability to positively touch the lives of the thousands of patients she helped, and the hundreds of students she taught during her long career. Michele was smart, funny, enthusiastic, passionate, and unfailingly kind to all to the end.

A memorial remembrance service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Michele's name to the Alzheimer's Association, or to Operation Smile would please her greatly.