Michael Hervey, 65, of Williamsburg, passed away on May 10, 2023.
Mike graduated from Sacred Heart High School in East Grand Forks, MN and then went on to earn a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. His career was initially sparked and pathway set by an entry-level college course in which students analyzed The Concrete Jungle by Upton Sinclair, a fictional expose on the working conditions of immigrant laborers. His field afforded him many opportunities to work in a variety of positions that included Senior Planner for Community Development in Richmond, Va, Executive Director of Farish Street Historic District Neighborhood foundation in Jackson, Ms, and Chief Financial Officer for Affordable Housing Solutions in Tallahassee, FL to name a few. In addition, he contributed greatly to the Dora Finley African-American Heritage Trail in Mobile, AL. by writing and securing grants for the foundation.
Mike was quite the high school athlete excelling in both football and wrestling. He was a two-time state champion in wrestling and an All American in Football where he was given the distinction of having his number “33” retired. Mike loved current events, history, chess, music, movies, concerts, fishing, and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed getting together with family and friends. He loved traveling, presenting talks, and visiting museums with Joycelyn and treasured the relationship he had with his stepchildren Joy and David.
Mike was an amazing husband, son, brother, father, and friend with visionary ideas and lots of energy that was quite contagious. Although plagued with many health issues in his latter years, he never complained and was always touching base with family and friends to be sure they were doing well. He had a big heart and will be missed.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, Roosevelt Hervey; brother, Stephen Hervey; and former wife, Joycelyn Hervey Finley. He is survived by his two step children, Joy Celestia and Elazon Finley; Mother, Violet Marie Hervey; Sister, Regina Yitbarek and husband Ephraim; Sister Donna Jones and husband Richard; two nieces Rachel and Hannah Hervey; nephew Shawn Mitchell and wife Melody; and two great nephews Jyire and Senaj Mitchell.
