Michael Eugene Estep Sr

Michael Eugene Estep Sr. departed from this life on February 3, 2005. He was born to the late Charles R. and Ruth E. Johnson Estep on January 28, 1958 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Mike’s love for sports began at an early age, playing baseball for St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks. He continued to grow as an athlete lettering in several varsity sports at Chopticon High School including football, basketball and track. He graduated in 1977 and enlisted in the United States Army. In 1978 he married his high school sweetheart, Faye Somerville. Mike and his family were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield-Savannah, Georgia and later in Friedberg, Germany. Upon his return to Maryland, Mike gained employment with the State Highway Administration, Embassy Dairy and most recently SMECO. His athletic spirit led him to participate in many different softball, baseball, and basketball leagues within the tri-county area. On the day of his passing Mike was doing what he enjoyed- playing basketball with the 40 and over league in Calvert County. He also coached Recreation & Parks girl’s basketball from 1994 to 2002. In the spring of 2001, he began coaching the local area AAU boy’s basketball team, “Tri-County Hoopsters”. Mike also was the assistant boy’s basketball coach at St. Mary’s Ryken High School. He was just as dedicated to God as he was to sports. Mike began his spiritual walk at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church in Clements, Maryland where he served on the Usher Board. It wasen’t long before he earned the title, “Minister” and to many youth “Mentor”- leading others to Christ. For many years, he faithfully served as the Southern Maryland Coordinator for Prison Fellowship. Most recently, he attended Chancellor’s Run Road Church of God.

Mikes leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Faye- four children: Michele, Diethra, Nichole and MJ-three brothers: Charles, Lawrence and David- ten sisters-in-laws: Joan, Gladys and Wilma Estep, Sharon and Stephanie Briscoe, Bernadette Coleman, Carmen Burke, Renee Fox, Tonya Short, and Laryssa Somerville-nine brothers-in-laws: Robert and George Briscoe, Ed Coleman, Michael and Mark Somerville, Brent Burke, Carleton Fox, Ray Short, and John Thomas-a father and mother-in-law: James and Helen Somerville- four aunts: Bertha Johnson, Margaret Smoak, Dorothy Dent, and Gladys Johnson- three uncles: Michael and Gary Estep and Carl Burrell- two God children: Sade Herbert and Layton Johnson- and a few people very dear to his heart: Sheila and Russell Coates, Russell Terrell Reeves and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister Charlotte E. Thomas and four brothers James, Louis, Joseph, and Rodney.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for all of your prayers, love and support during their time of mourning. May God bless you.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 10, 2005 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church, Clements, Maryland. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Friday, February 11, 2005 at 11 a.m. at The Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church. The Reverend Leroy McDuffie will be officiating.

Funeral arrangements were provided by The Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Maryland.