Michael smiling warmly and looking at the camera
M.
The photographs. The voice. The love.

Michael.

A life in full.

A place to return to.
For the moments, the music,
and the man you love.

Step into his world
Michael with family outdoorsHis world.
Michael seated beside a loved one at a celebrationOur memories.
01 / A life, remembered

Some lives stay with us
in a thousand little moments.

Michael smiling with a loved one at a celebration

A thousandmoments.One Michael.

From the family collection
02 / Hear him again

The music.
The man.
The memories.

A place for Michael’s music, and for the memories that come with hearing him again.

Recording to be added

The family’s chosen recording will be shared here.

At the piano

A place
for his music.

Michael at the keys.
Photographs of a part of his life he loved.

At the piano.Photograph 38 · From the family collection
Piano and song.Photograph 40 · From the family collection
Michael and his loved one together in the swimming pool
Michael relaxing beside the waterfront
04 / His story

More than
words can hold.

A familiar smile.Photograph 25

Chicago, Illinois · July 26, 1963

Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Bethune Elementary School. After leaving Chicago, he attended Edison Middle School and Robert Lee Junior High, and graduated from Miami Jackson High School.

His parents, Lucy Finley and Monoroe Starling, preceded him in death. Michael was one of six siblings.

Family, always.

His surviving siblings include:

  • Reginald Starlingand his wife, Carolyn Starling
  • Gail Beverly Lewis
  • Christine Johnsonand her husband, Archie Johnson

Biographical details supplied by the family. The full life story and family remembrance are still coming together.

Michael and family gathered around a restaurant table
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