Michael “Mike” Allen Vinson, age 41 of Columbus Ohio, entered the realm of eternal peace and rest on 14 July 2020. Michael was a beautiful, compassionate, humorous, outspoken shining light!
He was family oriented. He loved teaching children about their heritage, attended family events and tried to be a good example for the young men of his family. Mike was also a veteran of the United States Air Force and an Activist for his community. A devoted community organizer, proud revolutionary socialist, prison abolitionist and leader that was never intimidated to say what was on his mind and fought for economic empowerment and social change. When it was time to protest against injustice and police brutality, he was there. Although his chronic illness presented challenges for him, he always tried to make an effort for change! Mike was honored for his political and educational advocacy by our community with the Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio Eugene V. Debs award. Mike’s commitment to improving the quality of life for his people was and still is an inspiration for us all to do the same. He will forever be loved and missed!
Michael Allen Vinson is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Georgianna, and Joseph H. Ross, paternal grandparents Marvin John De Coux Sr. and Charlotte E. Perry (Yoakum), great aunt Lorraine Wade, and cousin Liberti M. Burke.
He is survived by his devoted parents Joyce L. McDaniel, and Michael (Laura) De Coux , sisters Brandy Vinson, Jamiel (Jamain) Walker. Special aunt Sharon D. Ross, Uncles Mark (Michelle) Vinson Sr., and Thomas (Mary) Vinson; uncles Marvin John De Coux Jr., and Steven (Keela) De Coux, aunt Karen A. De Coux; nieces Kiarrah, and Kiannah Walker, nephews James and Jamain Walker Jr.; cousins Kiana Ross, Steven Burke Jr., Tamirra Burke, Brittany Toles, Mark Vinson Jr., Charity Vinson, and De Markus Vinson. Two special second cousins Kameron Ross and Donovan Johnson. Along with a host of other cousins and relatives.
Graveside Service including Military Honors 9:00 AM Friday, August 7, 2020 at Union Cemetery Association 3349 Olentangy River Road 43202, Interment to follow.
Dear Son,
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Rest in peace Son.
Love Dad
My deepest condolences to the Vinson and DeCoux Family. Words may seem empty at a time like this but please receive them as a token of our heartfelt concern for your family as you grieve the passing of Michael. This is an enormous loss and we are praying that God will comfort your family. May God have mercy.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. I am lifting the family, friends and community up in prayer.
WOW : I WAS TRULLY BLOWN AWAY BY NEWS OF YOUR PASSING. MICHEAL YOU IMPACTED PEOPLE MORE THAN U REALIZED . PRISON MINISTRY WAS WHAT U WERE ABOUT . INCARCIRATION AND ITS IMPSCT IS WHAT U INSTILLED AND TAUGHT ME. I DONT VIEW U AS DEAD I VIEW U As ALIVE AND WELL TODAY MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. I VIVIDLY MEETING U IN EAST CLEVELAND TRYING TO ENGAGE BLACK FOLK TO COME TOGETHER ON MAKING DESIONS THAT WILL HELP THEM CHANGE THERE FUTURE. THANK U MICHEAL VINSON FOR TOUCHING MY LIFE. ALL I CAN SAY IS YOUR JOURNEY HAD COME TO ITS END AND U HAVE RECEIVED YOUR JUST REST . MAY U ENJOY ETERNAL BLISS . FORVER AND EVER I SAY AMEN !!!! AMEN– AMEM **** CALVIN L. HAIRSTON
Great words Calvin
Rest in power and peace, Michael.
I so enjoyed our work time together – plotting and strategizing for how we were going to work on bail issues and get the attention of the members of the Ohio House and Senate to issues that mattered to people on the street including veterans and persons with mental illness as well as issues facing prisoners. We did work on the death penalty and ending mass incarceration and you always had something positive to say or to do even when working to hold people accountable. I’ll miss our meetings at the library and visiting again will always make me thinking of you. Heck, maybe we’ll get a room named after you there. I think you’d like that.
To your family,
Thank you for helping shape and sharing your loved one with us all in the community. He was a good man, interested in making the community and streets so much better and fought with what he had as I knew him. I’m so very sorry for your loss as it is surely profound for it is coming as such a surprise to me to learn about his passing. It. had been a while since I saw him even before COVID19. So, it is with a heavy but yet inspired heart I share my condolences with you. I hope your many memories of good times and all provide you with comfort soon and meaningful memories in the future.
I am filled with deep regret that I did not make more of an effort to work with and get to know this man!
Jaime Pardo
May Almighty God Be Pleased With You.
My condolences my prayers are with you and your family during this time my god comfort your hearts. My heart is so sad what a great friend and god brother he was it’s been many years but he was a great person
May Almighty God Be Pleased With You.
I will never forget you.
MAV,
I’m at a loss of words! Rest In Power. Our time together was so intense, powerful and meaningful. I always mention you when convincing myself to go back vegan. An Angel that touched my life thank you for our moments. Praying for continued strength for your family!
With deepest love and prayers,
Jaci