Michele “Mickie” Lupe Soto of China Grove, NC went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. She was 77.

Mickie was born in Hemet, CA on June 20, 1948 to John and Lucy Almeras.

After living in California, Alabama, North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, Mickie returned to live and work near her children in North Carolina in 1997. After working at General Electric, as a bank teller, and as an assistant in medical offices, she finished her career as a CNA caring for elderly patients in their homes.

Mickie is survived by her children, Michael Bloom, Jr of Kannapolis and Angela (Aaron) Sharpe of China Grove; grandchildren Jeremy Bloom, John (Kayla) Bloom, Jack Bloom, Joseph Hawk, Joshua Hawk, and Andrew Sharpe; great-grandchildren Oliver Bloom and Emery Bloom; a sister, Carmen Louise (Gilbert) Lopez of Hemet, CA; nieces Deb Wilson, Rebecca Lopez, and Tamara (Jefferson) Pang; and nephews Gilbert Lopez, Jr and Austin Lopez.

Mickie was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Henry Almeras, and nephew Jason Almeras.

Known affectionately by so many as “Mexican Grandma” or “LML” (Little Mexican Lady), Mickie cherished her family and friends, including her church family at Mt. Mitchell Methodist Church in Kannapolis, and spent as much time with them as she could. An avid sportswatcher, Mickie attended every game possible when her grandchildren were playing or performing and sometimes just to support the local high school. She loved the Carolina Panthers and the Clemson Tigers. Her sweet text messages and loving social media presence will be missed by all. She loved the outdoors, sunshine, flowers, and beaches, and her wide circle of loved ones, while they will miss her laugh and smile, are pleased knowing she will now enjoy these things forever.

A service to celebrate Mickie’s life will be held at Mt. Mitchell Methodist Church, 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis, NC, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Liberty Commons Nursing and Liberty Hospice. The care, attentiveness, and friendship Mickie received from them are a blessing to us all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Mitchell Methodist Church or to HDReach.org.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Soto family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.