A beautiful and classy lady left this Earth on April 25, 2024. Her smile lit up a room while her gracious style and sometimes quirky actions, never failed to bring a smile to others. Rachel loved tremendously and valued her three children more than anything.

Born in 1938 in Pulaski, TN, she grew up in Michigan with her siblings John and Betty and moved to Asheville after marriage. She made friends so easily and enjoyed long relationships with wonderful women including Marie, Shirley and Doris. Together, they laughed, cried and helped each other through life’s challenges.

In her later years, Rachel taught pre-school children. She loved watching young minds grow. While she was in no way rich financially, she was truly rich with compassion and love for people and animals. She persevered through incredibly tough times with unbelievable grace and never lost her faith in God. May she now rest in the most divine peace.

Rachel is survived by her eldest son, James L. Michales (Sue), Asheville; daughter, Angel M. Newman (Brad), Southport, three grandchildren, Dawn, Todd and Sabrina, five great-grandchildren; Chase, Alyssa, Atley, Gabe and Emerson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neely F. Jackson (Christine); son, Robert “Bobby” F. Michales; sister, Betty Murnan, and Murphy, her beloved Schnauzer.