Michelle Lynn Dedrick

Michelle Lynn Dedrick, a brilliant beacon of love and liveliness, passed away peacefully in the sanctuary of her home in Robinson, IL on Monday, April 22, 2024. Born on July 29, 1976, in Libertyville, IL, she embraced the world with open arms and an open heart that continued to beat vibrantly for 47 beautiful years. Michelle's spirited journey was primarily spent in Robinson, the town where she grew up, and later instilled her passion for life in numerous hearts as a special needs teacher. She imparted more than just knowledge; Michelle blessed her students in Oblong, Hutsonville, and Robinson with a sense of worth and confidence. Her impact stretched further as a familiar and friendly face behind the service desk at Wal-Mart since 2020, prior to which, the warm glow of her smile brightened Casey's General Store in Robinson.

Her connection with the world was not merely professional - it was inherently personal. Michelle harbored a profound love for the outdoors, reveling in the vibrant colors of her garden and embracing the freedom beneath the open sky. Music was her soul's language, and she celebrated this passion through the eclectic tapestry of tunes ranging from the heartfelt strumming of country artists to the unapologetic beats of rap. Concerts were pilgrimages for Michelle, where the rhythmic pulse of Nelly and the twangy crooning of Lee Brice resonated with the beat of her own heart. A natural extrovert, Michelle thrived in the company of others. She was a woman of the world, forever seeking the spark of connection and the buzz of a crowd. Her spirit was too large to be contained and too generous not to be shared.

Sparkling like the glitter she adored, Michelle was a sunbeam, brightening days with her perpetual good mood, a reflection of her indomitable spirit. Each smile and every corny joke became a gift to those around her. Michelle's advice, like her infectious laughter, was dispensed generously - more often than not, it hit the mark and helped guide those in her circle. Her strength of conviction meant she lived authentically, refusing to be swayed by the opinions of others. When met with resistance, her resolve only intensified, proving that the path she trod was always of her own making. In other words, she lived life on her own terms. Michelle Lynn Dedrick lived a life powered by love and a tenacity of spirit that should be celebrated for its remarkable authenticity. She has left us, yes, but she has also left behind something immeasurable: an invitation to live as boldly and brightly as she did.

The legacy of her colorful life will be carried forward through her daughters & sons-in-law, Jessica & Reise Irvin, Cassandra & Raymond Kingery, and Mikayla & Dakota Lackey, and through her cherished grandchildren, Aiden Irvin, Reid Irvin, Aurora Kingery, Akaiseya Kingery, Zoey Lackey, Izzibella Lackey, Judith Lackey, Iliza Lackey, Luna Lackey, Calliope Lackey, and Ellianna Lackey. She is also survived by her parents, Greg, Sr. & Debbie Dedrick, and her brother, Greg Dedrick, Jr. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard & Wilma Jean Dedrick and Chester, Jr. & Phyllis Smith, and by her aunt, Vicki Smith.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share some of their favorite memories of this dear soul.

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Think Pink", a group based out of Robinson that raises funds to assist patients who need help paying for a breast cancer screening. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.