Rev. Michael Lee Garvey, 84, went to meet his Lord and Savior on September 22nd, 2024. He is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Chandra Irene Garvey; younger brothers, Terry and Ted Garvey; his mother, Gertrude Kauffman; father, Lloyd Garvey; and grandmother, Vinnie ''D.D'' Garvey.
He is survived by loving wife of 61 years, Bonita Garvey. Other surviving members include older daughter, Colleen Handly (Robert), younger daughter, Corinne (Cori) Cathey; grandchildren, Jason Handly, Ashley Cathey, Britney Cathey, Craig Handly (Laura); great-granddaughters Megan and Isabella ''Izzy'' Handly; sister, Sue Lawrie (Mike), younger brother, Pat Garvey (Ginger), and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Rev. Garvey was born September 6, 1940, in Charlotte, Mich. He was a devout ARP Presbyterian pastor, being in the ministry for 50 years. He was a loving husband to ''his Bonnie'', Bonita C. Garvey, whom he married in 1963. He also was a wonderful father to his three daughters, Colleen, Corinne, and Chandra, and wonderful ''Papa'' to all of his grandchildren.
Michael was a very involved man of the community; being involved in the Lion's Club, which he was a part of for many years. He was District Governor in 2004 and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2007. He spent the majority of his time researching and preparing for his next sermon, which he was a proud minister for many years at Wood Avenue ARP Church in Monticello and Hickory Springs ARP Church in Warren.
He would also spend his time collecting things such as stamps, coins, books, and many trinkets that were related to owls or Michigan State. He also donated to many organizations. Anyone that knew him knew that he was a very religious man you could always talk to about the Holy Spirit. For many, especially family, he was the glue holding everything together; and now, his life should be celebrated as he would want it to be.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery. There was a visitation from 2-3 p.m. Saturday preceding the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fight Colorectal Cancer charity or The Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss., so that his mentioning will always be alive!
