Michael Dean Westbook

If you would like to know about how to cook the perfect egg, tips to coach a girl in soccer, the best wines from different countries, or a lesson that family always comes first, Michael Dean Westbrook in his 72 years on earth had many examples and stories he would gladly share. Born September 9, 1952, in Biloxi, MS., Michael was one of 8 children and was blessed with a drive to succeed in life. He would always sacrifice for his family to have everything they needed, while showing more love than was comprehendible. 

Michael was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He met his beautiful wife, Sarah, of almost 53 years on a blind date and from that moment on his life really started. July 3, 1971, the two said “I Do”. They overcame the trials of life, love, and loss as a team and beat all the odds. When Sarah’s journey was over April 1^st, 2023, half of Michael's heart was taken to heaven with his beautiful bride. There was never a day he did not try to make the best of his time left here on earth, but in the end his heartbreak was too much to bear. 

Michael was the father of two children. Michael Dean Westbrook II was born on September 19^th, 1976.  He was called to be their guardian angel on that day and is now joined with both of his parents in heaven. On April 15^th, 1980, his daughter Michelle was born. He taught her to be thankful, kind, and compassionate while also independent. There was never a day he was not present to help with the biggest or smallest of tasks in her life. On August 5, 2006, Michael gained a son-in-law David. He always talked highly of his work ethic and admired his drive to strive for the best. David and Michelle welcomed the first granddaughter, Elexie Ann Dale, on February 9^th, 2009. Michael received the name of Taw-Taw.  His love for Lexie was unmeasurable. They shared the same competitive spit fire traits. The two would stay up all night having conversations about life while “watching tv.” On November 12^th, 2013, Taw-Taw was blessed with another granddaughter, Sarah Catherine Dale. He was so excited to have another little girl around. With Sarah Cate he found his passion for the game Roblox playing anytime she asked. Both girls he would respond to by “what my heart” because they truly were his world. 

If you were fortunate enough to have come across Michael at any stage of life, you witnessed how he invested his heart into people. He showed no differentiation in age, situation, or conversation. One of his favorite things to do was help his brother, Kevin, in any way he could with music. Michael was an avid lover of soccer, football, and golf. If it was on tv he was watching the game. Coaching or refereeing soccer was a passion he was immensely proud of. There were always stories to be heard of great athletes he had seen come though the game. 

Michael had many strong opinions but the strongest was family. Family always should and will come first. The word family did not have to mean blood relation. There were many that came through his home, stayed for however long they needed to get back on their feet or just have a break from challenging times. “All is welcome” is a concept he hoped to pass along to everyone around him. 

Michael, Mike, or Taw-Taw will be missed more than he could fathom. He accomplished so much in his years here on earth and left the world a better place. We know he is dancing with his bride, getting to know his son, enjoying his brothers, sister, and loved ones in heaven while watching over us on earth.  What a blessing it is to have such a wonderful guardian angel now. 

The family would like to say a special thank you to Caroline, P.J., Cy, and Reagan for their overwhelming kindness and compassion shown while Michael was in the SICU at SRHS Ocean Springs. We would also like to thank Shane from Vital Care Hospice who went above and beyond to make him comfortable at home.

Visitation will be held at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00p.m. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Michael Dean Westbrook.