Michael Lisbon 1958-2025

Michael was born July 25, 1958, to the union of Laconia Lisbon and Mae Guilford Lisbon in Youngstown. After the passing of Michael’s mother (who died when Mike was very young), Mike’s father married the former Mattie Mitchell. Mike affectionately referred to her as Ma Mattie, who reared him, along with his father.

As a proud 1978 graduate of Youngstown’s South High School, Michael was not only voted prom king but earned the title of “Best Personality” in his class (a testament to his infectious charm and generous spirit). He carried infinite pride for his alma mater, embodying the Warrior spirit that echoed throughout his life. His classmates and fellow Southsiders lovingly referred to him as “Fat Daddy” (a nickname that he carried throughout his life and even had listed in the phone book).

Michael dedicated nearly four remarkable decades to the General Motors Fabrication Plant, retiring in 2016. A highlight of his career was the unique honor of representing his fellow workers (both salaried and hourly) alongside President Barack Obama in a town hall meeting, a moment that simply illustrated his commitment to the labor community.

Michael was more than just a husband, father and grandfather. He was a warrior — resilient through adversity, overcoming four-and-a-half years of dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant. He showed us what it meant to fight with grace and live each day with purpose, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.

Beyond his professional life, Michael’s passion for God and serving others resonated through his many contributions as a former member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was a former coordinator for the recreation committee, a past member of the male chorus, choir, evangelism ministry and after-school program. He most recently attended Victory Church in Coitsville. He was also a proud member of the Brothers United.

His spirit extended to local organizations, including United Auto Workers 1714 and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, where he challenged equality and community development.

Known for his love of music — especially old-school R&B, jazz and gospel — Michael relished attending concerts, enjoying comedy shows and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere at “Jazz in the Park” each summer.

A fan of sports and Westerns, he delighted in quiet evenings watching documentaries and his favorite shows on Bounce TV. He also cherished his time as a former coach for the Little Red Devils football team, instilling not just skills but kindness and teamwork in the hearts of young athletes. He was also an excellent dart player.

Michael had an endless wellspring of love to share — always taking time to sing his special version of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate family milestones.

His home was his sanctuary, filled with laughter, peace and a warm front porch, where he loved to sit, watch the world go by, and connect with family and friends through spontaneous phone calls. He infused each family or friend gathering with music, love, his big laugh and bright smile.

He had a great appreciation for dining and sampling new restaurants and eateries locally and beyond.

When we honor Mike, we recall his loyalty. We remember him as a great provider and protector, while balancing it with kindness and humor. He was honest and direct in his interactions, saying what he meant and meaning what he said — often heard asking the question, “What part don’t you understand about the word NO! The N or the O?”

Married to the love of his life, Regina Perry, on July 24, 2009 (just a day before his birthday), he often reminisced about their beautiful wedding day, stating that it never rained on his birthday weekend. He was confident in his assurance of this and indeed it did not rain the entire wedding weekend.

To forge his legacy, Michael entrusts his five sons, Antuane Stevens of Jacksonville, Florida, Michael (Shino) Lisbon of Columbus, Markus Lisbon of Campbell, Marquis (Tiffany) Perry of Hebron, Kentucky, and Cortland (Kia) Perry of Union, Kentucky. Mike was the neighborhood dad and was instrumental in the rearing of Randy Wilson and Andre (Diamond) Morales. He considered them his sons and adopted their families as his own. He also considered Valsheka Ballou the daughter that he never had.

Precious memories are retained by his siblings, LaVerne (Reginald) Wallace, Daryl Lisbon, Madie Duncan (all of Columbus), Barbara (Vernon) Gilbert and Gayle (Ernest) Anderson (both of Youngstown); sisters-in-love, Alberta Lisbon, Cynthia Lisbon, Valerie Lisbon, Patricia El-Amin, Erica Avery, Tiffany Steele, Tara (Jean) Milly and Shana Steele; and brothers-in-love, Jerry Young, Derrick (Voncile) Slocum, Robert (Eva) Jackson, E. Todd (Natalia) Steele, Troy Steele and Thomas Steele. Michael also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

As Michael accepted his call into eternity he was reunited with his parents; brothers, Robert, Donald and Richard Lisbon; sisters, Juanita Young and Jacqueline Gore; brother-in-law, John Lee Duncan; and sister-in-law, Bernice Lisbon — each whom welcomed him to his new home in paradise.

Michael’s legacy is one of compassion, joy and unwavering commitment to family and friends. He took pride in every connection he made and every life that he touched. In our hearts, Michael will forever play a tune of laughter and love that will never fade.

The family extends an opportunity for the community to share in the planned celebration of life events.

Public viewing and family visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.

Calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505, with a funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Elder J. Dwayne Heard will preside and Apostle Darren D. Thomas will serve as eulogist.

Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)