Michelle Odalis Enid Colon, born September 21, 1987, passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 39, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her parents, Emma Gladden and Gualberto Colon Leon, her stepfather, Garnell Gladden, her brother, Gabriel Colon Suarez, and her stepsiblings, Isaiah and Tralaynah Gladden.

Michelle graduated from Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2007, following in her mother’s footsteps and pursuing a career in Cosmetology. For 18 years, she poured her talent and passion into her work as a hairstylist and colorist.

Michelle was creative, adventurous, and endlessly curious about the world around her. She loved drawing, painting, writing, reading, cooking, and music, and even taught herself to play the piano. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she was well on her way to becoming fluent in Portuguese, too. Her adventurous spirit took her to countries such as Colombia, Panama, Spain, and Germany, where she enjoyed experiencing new places and different cultures. She dreamed of seeing more of the world and had set a personal goal of visiting two new countries every year, an ambition sadly cut short by her illness.

Anyone who knew Michelle knew she had the kindest heart. She battled cancer with strength, grace, and positivity that made the people around her feel at ease, even when she was facing something so frightening herself. She was outgoing, funny, and compassionate, with a smile that rarely faded, even through her most difficult moments.

Above all, Michelle loved her family and was always there to support the people she cared about. Never hesitating to offer support or stand up for what she believed was right, she approached life with that same strength and determination. Her resilience, integrity, generosity, and unwavering spirit were among her greatest qualities.

She will be remembered for her beautiful heart, infectious personality, and the love she gave so freely to others. Even in the face of her own struggles, she continued to put others before herself.

Heaven has truly gained an angel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 6, 2026, at Faith Ministries-Clay County, starting at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, in hopes of bringing us closer to a future without cancer.