Dr. Michele (Mickey) Marie Granger, 64, of Springfield, Missouri, born December 15, 1953, in Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Michele had many passions. One of her greatest passions was her career and positively impacting other’s lives. After graduating from Central Missouri State University, she rocketed straight into a career in the fashion industry. She worked as a Buyer for Adler’s Department stores, a Manufacturer’s Representative for Kayser Corporation in NYC, and as a Consultant for small business owners. She owned her own specialty retail store in Columbia, Missouri until she discovered an even greater passion, motherhood. In 1988, Michele adopted her only child, Annie. She chose to close her store and begin teaching fashion merchandising at Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri. She quickly became the Department Chair. While shaping the next generation of fashionistas and raising her daughter, Michele earned her master’s degree from The University of Missouri. She continued her position at Stephen’s until she received her Doctorate in Higher Education in 1997 from Nova Southeastern University. In 1998, she accepted a position at Missouri State University. She taught Fashion Merchandising and Entrepreneurship until her retirement in 2016. Her favorite part of her career was taking students to Europe on study abroad trips. The friends she met, The Cool Girls, after her transition to Springfield, filled her life with many joyful memories and experiences. In 2013, Michele met the love of her life, her grandson Michael. She fell in love two more times in 2017 when she met her twin grandchildren Lily and Noah. Her final years were spent loving her grandchildren, traveling with her sister Patty, spending time with family, and enjoying life with her many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sally and John “Rocky” Granger.
Michele is survived by her two siblings, Patricia McCoy of Virgie, Ky, and her children, and Joseph (Wendy) Granger of Belleville, IL, and their children; Her daughter, Elizabeth “Annie” (Armando) Diaz of Kansas City, MO; and three grandchildren, Michael Diaz, Noah Diaz, and Lily Diaz.
Michele’s family would like to extend a special thanks to those her cared for her during her courageous battle. To Patty, for the loving live-in care she provided. To Joe and Wendy, for the nourishment of body and soul. To Alan and Dana, for proving that friends can truly become family and that love is the best medicine. To The Cool Girls, for always providing the love and friendship she cherished.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michele Granger (Dr. Fashion) Scholarship Fund at:
Attn: Alan Nippes
2838 S. Ingram Mill Rd.
Springfield, Mo. 65804

Michele’s Celebration of life will be held Friday October 26, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. 3540 E. Seminole Springfield, Mo. 65809

Michele’s wish for everyone in attendance is to wear bright colors as this is a celebration.
We encourage anyone who has ever been touched by Michele’s presence to come and celebrate her far reaching life.