Ms. Michelle Rouse

Michelle Veronica Rouse was born on Thursday September 28th, 1967 in the Bronx, NY to Alexandria C. Rouse and Reverend Granville Evelyn Rouse. She was the youngest of 3 from the couple. She loved both of her parents dearly, but had a very special place in her heart for her father. Michelle, at the age of 15, and her siblings, suffered the loss of their father. Michelle’s formative years were spent in her hometown of The Bronx NY. She was a member of Mt. Zion Christian Mission Church in Manhattan. Michelle ran Track and Field at Stevenson High School, where she excelled in sprints and distance running. She graduated from Stevenson High School and went on to successfully obtain her Bachelor’s degree from The College of New Rochelle in N.Y. Michelle enjoyed spending her days with family, often the one to plan and create new memories everyone would cherish. She had a compelling interest in one day becoming a lawyer; She would always say, “it’s never too late”, with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Michelle gave birth to her first born son Sharrieff in August 1988. Michelle married his father Donnie Williams of Staten Island, NY in April 2001; from that union came 2 more children; Shakur and Najee of Marietta Georgia. This marriage did not endure and the couple eventually parted ways. With a deep passion for law enforcement, Michelle became a New York City Parks Department Enforcement Patrol Officer; where she helped maintain safe and fun environments for New York City residents for almost 20 years. Michelle enjoyed life to the fullest, and invited everyone to enjoy life with her. She had an infectious laugh. She never lost focus on the needs of her children, and always had the strongest desire to give them the best life she could. Michelle subsequently met and fell in love with Andre Banks Sr. of Brooklyn, NY. The couple lived in Staten Island, NY where they welcomed the birth of their son Andre C. Banks Jr. in January 2010. Michelle then moved her family to Brooklyn, NY for sometime, before the big move to Georgia. During that time, she was very invested in her children's basketball experiences and in making sure that her kids got exposure from visiting many different cities. Michelle retired from the NYC Parks Dept in 2018, and she and Andre Sr. moved the family to Powder Springs, Georgia in hopes for a better life. Michelle loved living in Georgia and owning her home. She reveled in the opportunity to give her children more space and warmer weather in which they could grow and develop. Michelle worked at Jim’s Formal Wear, in Lithia Springs, Georgia for 7 years; this aligns with her love for fashion and style. Shortly after, she went on to pursue her dreams of creating and owning her own business. She provided for her family; and her generosity of spirit showed with her children, friends, family, co-workers and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Michelle leaves to cherish her memory: Her four children, Sharrieff Rouse, Shakur Rouse, Najee’ Rouse and Andre Banks Jr., her beloved granddaughter Shylah Yamisse Rouse, her partner Andre Banks Sr., her sister Shirley Rouse-Bey of NY, her brother DaCosta Rouse of North Carolina, along with a host of loving and supportive friends and family from near and far. Michelle’s life mattered. May she rest in peace

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Ms. Michelle Rouse

September 28, 1967 - March 8, 2026