At home surrounded by her family, Michelle Sullivan, 49, of Swansboro, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service to honor Michelle’s life will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, July 27 at Farm 58, 201 Brookside Court S. Swansboro, N.C. 28584, officiated by Rev. Tony Glass.

Michelle was born on February 22, 1977, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to father, Hal Washington and mother Dianne Browning. To know Michelle was to know joy. Her tremendous laugh could brighten any room, and her kind heart was felt by everyone she met. For more than 10 years she worked at Rhem Insulation, always enjoying the friendships and people she met there.

Her life’s greatest purpose was found in caring for others. Motherhood was her highest calling, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. Michelle was lovingly known as “Meme” to countless children. Whether they were family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to know her, she had a special gift for making every child feel loved, welcomed, and important. To them, she wasn’t just Michelle—she was Meme.

She dedicated herself to enriching the lives of special needs people throughout Craven, Carteret, and Onslow counties. Michelle founded A League of Our Own, an organization that provided special needs athletes with opportunities to participate, compete, and build lasting friendships. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, laughter and unconditional love she gave freely to everyone she met.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her husband Steven Sullivan of Swansboro, N.C.; father, Hal Washington (Brenda) of Youngsville, N.C.; mother, Dianne Browning (Jerry) of Cape Carteret, N.C.; daughter, Summer Sullivan (Tucker Guthrie) of Swansboro, N.C.; son, Russell Britt Sullivan of Swansboro, N.C.; siblings, Christy Gillikin (Clif) of Newport, N.C., Jennifer Provost (Travis) of Swansboro, N.C., Kim Kennedy (Jimmy) of Zebulon, N.C., Bonnie Downey (Chris) of Durham, N.C.; Joe Browning (Katlyn) of Swansboro, N.C., Tommy Browning of Durham, N.C; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Michelle was preceded in death by her son Christian Michael Sullivan and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice, please consider a special needs charity in Michelle’s honor.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC