Celebration of Michael’s Life
On July 9, 1957, a beautiful big baby boy was born to the late Sherman and Jessie Mae Lee Vann in Sapulpa, OK. He was the ninth of ten children. As a child, Michael wasn’t as mischievous as his other younger brothers. He only went along with the program because he felt he had to. Michal’s nickname was “Waynie.” He had other names by his friends, “Big Mike” or “Whale.”
Waynie attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and graduated from Sapulpa High School. During his time at Sapulpa High School, he excelled at football. He was a nose guard, the best in the league. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. He was a member of St. John Baptist Church.
Waynie worked for the City of Sapulpa until he was injured on the job. He enjoyed working on and fixing cars. He was “gentle giant.” He was tall and strong but had a quiet, thoughtful, and caring nature. He was dependable and helpful. He helped care for his mother when she became ill. He enjoyed watching westerns and just watching football.
Waynie was preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Jessie Mae Lee Vann, his grandmother Melissa Flowers, one sister, Gwenda Bruner, four brothers, Glenn Wayne Lee, Funda Burnet Smith, Michael Edward Smith and Sherman Vann, Jr., and one niece, Shamika Vann.
Waynie went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2023. He leaves to cherish his beautiful memory his four sisters, Lenora “Duckie” (Charlie) Colbert of Slick, OK, Willie (Phil) McCormack of Sapulpa, OK, Latina (Gregory) Busby of Tulsa, OK, April Burnes of Tulsa, OK; his brothers, Donald Lee of Sapulpa, OK, Edward Lee of Kellyville, OK, Billy (Carolyn) Lee of Tulsa, OK, Loyd (Mary) Vann of Tulsa, OK, Kevin (Roxie) Vann, and Vincent Vann of Sapulpa, OK, as well as many other relatives and friends.
