Michelle Marie Stephens Elston, affectionately known as "MeMe" was born on June 4th, 1961, in Anniston, Alabama to the late Roy and Ida Bell Stephens. Michelle lived her life as a woman of God who loved people and found pleasure in helping others.

She is a 1979 graduate of Anniston High School and a true "Bulldog" fan. She was the President of her class and always enjoyed spending quality time with her classmates at alumni events.  After graduating from high school, Michelle decided to further her education at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. There, Michelle studied Psychology and was a color guard in the A & M band.

After college, Michelle married Nathaniel Elston, Sr. and moved to Colorado for two years and resided one year in Killen, Texas before moving back to Anniston. Michelle was employed at Ft McClellan Army Base as a head count at the post reception center; and was employed as an associate at Federal Mogul and then at Alabama Cooperative Extension System where she began her career in nutrition as an Urban SNAP-Ed Educator.

Her spiritual journey began at the First United Presbyterian Church, Anniston, AL; Living by Faith Ministry, Oxford, AL; and Oasis of Understanding, Calhoun County, AL.  She surrendered her life to Christ years ago. She believed God and never doubted the power of His presence in her life. She made sure she planted herself in the house of the Lord and wanted to learn everything she could about her walk with Christ. While attending these ministries, Michelle served faithfully and showed others her love for Christ. She served in many different areas of ministries, Praise & Worship, Choir, Youth Ministry and Education.

Michelle never met a stranger. No matter what was going on, she would always make you laugh with her infectious personality. She always enjoyed being in attendance to family functions and other special events because nothing brought her more joy than going to various sporting events, dance recitals and graduations.

On Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, Michelle transitioned to her heavenly home. Though we will miss her presence here with us, we are grateful to God for blessing us with such a beautiful, giving and loving individual. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Stephens, Sr; her mother, Ada Bell Stephens; and two brothers, Mark Anthony Stephens and Roy Christopher Stephens.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: three sons, Roy (Santrell) Elston of Miami, Florida;  Nathaniel Elston, Jr. of Anniston, Alabama and Matthew (Anna) Elston of Anniston, Alabama; five grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob and Jacoby Elston of Miami, Florida;  Malachi and Zechariah Elston of Anniston, Alabama; one brother Michael (Sherla) Stephens of Moreno Valley, California; one sister, Marilyn Stephens Stansil of Anniston, Alabama; nieces, Andrela (Daron) Stephens Bothwell, Brittney Stansil and Christiana Marie Stephens; nephews, Surran Michael Stephens, Eric Hartell of Clearwater, Florida, Stephen Stansil and Stedman Stansil; great nephew, Anthony Bothwell; two great nieces, Ashley Bothwell and Ellie Hartell; and a host of cousins, other family and special friends.