Michael Lee Nowell
Michael Lee Nowell, Big Mike, was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on August 21, 1969 to his parents Freddie M. Nowell and the late John Nowell Jr. He was the oldest of his two brother John and Garrett. Mike attended 4 different high schools were he focused on his craft for sports, mainly football and basketball. He graduated from Timothy Christian High School in Piscataway, New Jersey. At Timothy High School he played basketball, lacrosse and soccer. He went on to study at North Eastern Bible College for two years where he played basketball again.
Mike then moved to Georgia and attended Phillip College in Atlanta, where he received his associate’s degree in Business Computer Programming. After Phillips College he attended Clark Atlanta University and received his Science Information Technology degree at Kaplan University. While at Clark Atlanta he earned All-Conference honors three times. He was also the team’s Freshman of the Year and led the team in rebounding in 1990. Michael also had a beautiful daughter Maleeka Joi Nowell-Harris. Then he and his college sweetheart moved to Seattle where he married his lovely wife on August 17, 1996. They then went on to have two handsome sons Jaylen and Shane Nowell.
Mike’s love was coaching basketball, and was described by his mother as a sports 
fanatic. He coached Seattle Rotary Style, Saint Therese, Garfield High School and Seattle University. He was awarded the 2015 volunteer of the year award from Rotary Boys and Girls Club. Mike also earned the Garfield High coach of the year award.
On May 11, 2015, Mike left behind his wife Lalania Nowell(Six), his daughter Maleeka Joi Nowell-Harris (Lil’ Mama) and his two sons Jaylen (Big Tymah) and Shane(Cat Daddy). As well as his mother Freddie Nowell and his two brothers John and Garrett Nowell. He will also be leaving behind a grandson Michael Ce’Darrius Cato Jr. and a host of god children, nieces, nephews and cousins.
5 Responses to “Michael Lee Nowell”
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I coached Mike in Doug Christie’s Pro-Am. He was a great player, leader and person. I always tried to talk him into coaching with me but he was focused on coaching his kids and spending time with family. I have always admired him and loved talking with him whenever we had a chance to catch up. His smile and laugh will always stay with me and bring a smile to my face. Seattle has lost another great mentor and role model for our young people. Mike was an amazing person and we are all blessed to have known him. I wish I had one more day I could spend with him!
many prayers and blessings to his family and friends
Ron Schultz
Mike and I played ball at NorthEastern. Mike was my roommate and a good friend. We lost track while I was in the Navy but caught up recently.
Rest in Piece my brother.
Tho’ my Christian beliefs prepares me for times like this. I am still devastated! What a good Brother and Teammate he was at North eastern Bible College. I was one of the players and Coach that help recruit Mike from Timothy Christian. He was a beast on the low post. Most of all He loved GOD. Earth has no pain that Heaven doesn’t have an already prepared remedy for. Pray is all I know to uphold Us all while We rightfully grieve…this hurst so bad.
To all those fortunate enough to have known and loved Mike.
I was recently researching old newspapers from 2 years ago when I read of the passing of Mike. It was so very obvious what a wonderful, kind person he was who meant so much to so many. I know what a difficult time that was for everyone close. I also know that Christ is with Mike, and you’ll all be together again forever one day. Please press forward using the promise of the future to buoy you, and the good memories of the past to enrich you. And never forget there are so many who will always keep you and Mike deep in their hearts and prayers.
Thank you to those of you who have left comments. You may think it’s no big deal, but there are days when we/I look for any connection to keep Mike close to us/me and things like this are a welcomed blessing. God bless you.
✌&❤️
~The Nowell Family