Dr. Michelle J. Mccormick

Dr. Michelle J. McCormick passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. She was born in Santa Monica, CA, on November 20, 1947 to the late John Rosbach and late Mary Barnes. Michelle graduated from Canoga Park High School and later attended California State College, Northridge, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees in sociology. She then earned a Ph.D. in sociology from UCLA where she was associated with that institution's Higher Education Research Institute. After earning her doctorate, she taught as an adjunct instructor at several Los Angeles area colleges and universities.

In 1993 she became an Assistant Professor of Sociology and later Director of Institutional Research at what is now Middle Georgia State University. She subsequently joined the faculty of Gordon State College, retiring in 2010 as Associate Professor of Sociology. Her professional memberships included the American Sociological Association, the Southern Sociological Society, and the Georgia Sociological Association (GSA). She served the GSA as President, coeditor of the organization's newsletter, and editorial board member of the Association's on-line Journal of Public and Professional Sociology. For her contributions to the organization, she was presented with the GSA's Meritorious Service Award in 2009. In addition to her teaching, college service, and professional involvement, Michelle authored several published articles.

Michelle enjoyed traveling, singing bass in Sweet Adeline's choruses and quartets, and completing crossword puzzles. Her favorite movie was The African Queen, and she was surprised by a trip to Key Largo, where the boat is moored. One of her greatest thrills was to actually steer the vessel on a short voyage she was given.

Michelle is survived by her husband of twenty-seven years, Dr. Albert E. McCormick, Jr., her son Kevin Riley (Kelly) of Tucson, Arizona, and her sister Phyllis Pleet and brother Michael Rosbach, both of Simi Valley, California.

Arrangements are by Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Lake Wales, Florida. Plans for Michelle's celebration of life is pending. A service for her final resting place will be a private family observance. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Normal Pixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Pixel Institute Advancement Fund, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida or the Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823.