Michele Battle Ballard

Michele Battle Ballard, born on February 7, 1966, in Greensboro, North Carolina, departed from this life on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Michele lived a life marked by intellectual rigor, professional excellence, a deep appreciation for discovery, and an example of making the most out of life, whether through travel, literature, community care, fitness, or the hidden treasures of a thrift store.

A proud graduate of James B. Dudley High School in the Class of 1984, Michele went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1990. 

Michele began her professional journey as a manufacturing supervisor at GlaxoSmithKline, where she applied her engineering expertise with precision and dedication. In 1996, her small but growing family relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she would soon work for the local branch of the Federal Reserve Bank.

She later transitioned into project management at Capital One Bank and Truliant Federal Credit Union before reintroducing her talents to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Her analytical mind and progressive approach to problem-solving left a lasting impression on colleagues and peers.

Her commitment to excellence extended beyond the workplace; she served as president emeritus of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Project Management Institute, reflecting her passion for mentorship and professional development within her field. 

She was equally committed to extending that support to others through her membership in Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) - inspired by the words of her mother, Marjorie, “Somebody needs to be on the inside, to open the door for the next…”

She found joy that was deeply enriched by her passions: traveling to new places, uncovering unique finds while thrifting, committing to regular workout challenges, helping her extended community, and immersing herself in books that inspired her. These interests reflected not only her curiosity but also her appreciation for life's details, both big and small.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Morgan Ballard and Miles Ballard; brothers, Ty Collins and Bernard Battle Jr.; sister, Maureen Prillerman; father-in-law, Walter Ballard Sr.; brother-in-law, Walter Ballard Jr.; sister-in-law, Anjanette Ballard and many other friends and “framily” whose lives were touched by her warmth and wit.

Michele was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ballard; mother, Marjorie Manigault; father, Bernard Battle Sr.; brothers, Aaron Battle and Edwin Louis Battle; mother-in-law, Geraldine Ballard; and other cherished family members.

Memorial services honoring Michele’s life will be in 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

May Michele’s memory bring comfort, inspiration, and joy to those who knew and loved her.

For more information on her services visit: bit.ly/memoriesofmichele

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