Michael A. “Mike” Lamb
July 24, 1956 - October 22, 2024
Michael A. “Mike” Lamb, age 68, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Mike lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. His impact on those around him will be cherished forever, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.
Born in Portsmouth, VA on July 24, 1956, he was a son of the late Wilbur A. and Marie (Williams) Lamb. He grew up in Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA, where he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. Mike was one with God when he departed to his eternal resting place to be with our Lord God. He excelled in school. Mike attended Craddock High School, Portsmouth, VA where he was a standout football player at the middle linebacker position. Mike always excelled academically at every level in school. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Norfolk State University, VA in 1979, a Master of Social Work from New York University, NY in 1982, and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, City University of NY in 1990.
Mike had an illustrious career spanning from his first job in 1982, as a social worker for an adolescent clinic, up until his retirement in 2019, where he concluded his career as a Health Systems Specialist for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). He made an impact during his time at Howard University School of Social Work. From 2001 – 2003, Mike was an adjunct lecturer, he then became an assistant professor from 2003 – 2007. Mike exemplified what it meant to be a true professional earning numerous honors and awards and being a part of many distinguished memberships affiliations and associations. His awards range from earning an Academic Fellowship in the Public Administration, National Urban Fellows Inc, 1989, to the VA Special Contribution Award, Washington DC, Veteran Administration Medical Center (VAMC), 2006, to the Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO), Individual Cash Award, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Mike’s reach was national as a leader and pillar, significantly impacting the lives of thousands while serving on the staff of some of the nation’s most influential leaders, including Mayor David Dinkins, New York City, NY, and Mayor Thomas Bradley, Los Angeles, CA.
Mike loved music and enjoyed all genres of music but favored jazz immensely. He also loved to read and get lost in a good book, and he was always eagerly willing to help others with sharing pearls of wisdom and knowledge. Additionally, Mike always loved traveling with his beautiful wife Hope seeing the beauty in the world. Mike was a true example of what you can accomplish when you work hard and have a passion for what you do. Above all else, he cherished spending time with his family who meant the most to him.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Williams Lamb, and father Wilbur A. Lamb. He is survived by his loving wife, married for 3 years and together for 14 years, Hoperline J. “Hope” (Malcolm) Lamb; son, Brandon Lamb; stepdaughter, Jenelle Herbert-King (Kristopher); stepsons, Tony Malcolm and Jerome Herbert; grandson, Santana Lamb; brothers, Ronnie Lamb (Marcia), Timothy Lamb (Janet) and Rolando Lamb (Tanya); sister, Angela Lamb-Giles (the late Bernard); and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held privately and by invitation only. A larger ceremony for family and friends to honor Michael Anthony Lamb will be held in his hometown of Portsmouth, VA, on November 16, 2024. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.
A Tribute to Michael: My Love, My Forever
Michael, my love, words will never be enough to express the depth of what you meant to me and the joy you brought to my life. Each day, I feel your absence, and each moment without you feels a little emptier, but the warmth of your memory fills the spaces left behind.
You were my best friend, my partner, my confidant, and my greatest joy. In your presence, I felt understood, cherished, and loved in a way that words could never fully capture. You brought laughter and lightness to our lives, turning ordinary moments into memories I now hold so close to my heart.
There are days when I reach out for you instinctively. I find myself longing for your touch, your laughter, and the simple comfort of knowing you were there beside me, walking through life together. Your companionship was a gift I am endlessly grateful for, one that changed me forever.
Though you are no longer physically here, your love is something I carry with me, a constant presence that brings comfort and strength. I find peace in the memory of your kindness and warmth, in the strength of the life we built side by side. Every memory, every shared laugh, and every moment of love is woven into the fabric of who I am. You live on in each beat of my heart and in every step, I take forward.
You taught me that love knows no boundaries, no limits. You showed me what it means to truly love and be loved. And even now, though you have left this world, our love remains unbreakable, a testament to the bond we shared.
So, Michael, my love, I honor you, I cherish you, and I love you more than words can say. You were, and always will be, my heart’s companion, my forever. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, the love, and for showing me a joy that lives beyond time and distance.
You are with me, always and forever.
Hope
Dennis and Pauline Mills
Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your Dear husband.
We hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time. We are sending Healing Prayers and Comforting Hugs.🙏🏽
Sincerely, Dennis and Pauline
Stacey Washington
Mike you going to miss I really enjoy myself when I came to visit your home you n your wife always made me feel part of the family Beautiful Hope please be strong My Prayers are with you and the family .
Karen & Dan Gillen
Even though we only knew Mike for a brief time, his presence in our lives made a powerful impact. Praying that good memories will help you through this difficult time.
Sending love from Karen and Dan Gillen.
Cuz William Moore
My sincere condolences to the Lamb Family. May GOD give you comfort during these difficult times. 🙏🏽
Steven Alexander
There are only 7 months that separate you and I Mike. I practically lived with all during those summers on 4th Street. Mike, remember the fried baloney (sorry gonna write it like it sounds) and cheese eggs that Aunt Marie fixed us for breakfast, or when Angie was just a year old and we bonded as brothers to protect her, or when you, Ronnie, Tim (wild thang), took me back of Karp’s Pharmacy (16 years old) and taught me how to really play basketball with Bo Peep, Unk, Jimmy Parker, and dem, and how I was taking Karate and that was the only thing that saved me when Aunt Marie would call and say Timmy is acting up Stevie ‘Come over and take care of him’ ( wouldn’t try that now if my life depended on it). Upon arriving ,Mike would say (this is not profane it was a saying) ‘Watch out Steve, you know Tim cock strong’. Me and you going to movies in Norfolk with our fake I. D.’s. H I w bout , ‘Scooby-doo-hoo’, Faaaa ^ aaaa v aaaa–zzzip, ‘Puff-n-Stuff’, all the nicknames you gave to Ronnie. I know you remember the double date, me and Rover, you and…how proud I was to go to your games when I wasn’t playing and watch you annihilate anyone coming up that no 3 hole at Middle Linebacker or pursue an end and around Wow, so quick. Then you introduced me to intramural sports and Coach Ernie Hibble. What a goof I thought until I saw him play. Made me look like a fool. I owe you all of our times together, because you and I were more than cousins we were Connected. I could go on and on about our experiences and how at the age of 15 I was jealous of you because you would travel by yourself to spend summers with Butch, and come back with a new York accent am I right Ronnie? I. Love you Mike for showing me what it is to be a real Man. Your Legacy is Love.
Princess L Boykins
So sorry cus for the lost of Michael, he will be deeply miss. We all had good time’s doing the family reunion. My prayers are with you and your family. Love always cus Princess.
Therman James
My deepest condolences and prayers goes out to your wife & kids especially for our family cousin Mike may you Rest In Paradise for Eternity The James family sending love and prayers from New Jersey!!🙏🏿🙌🏿🙏🏿🌹
Duane and Pam Frazer
Dear Hope, our stories cross, because many of us started a chapter with a shared vision. Meeting you and Mike during a stressful time, bought joy, calm and hope. The future we all looked forward to, now much different than any of us planned, will continue with God’s will.
The loving bond you and Mike shared was evident. You speak and write of your love for one another, and the way he took care of you. I believe that continues, as he made sure you were surrounded by angels, near and far, to help you. His love will live on with the memories you cherish, and those held through your families and friends.
I read once, that grief is love with no place to physically go. It resonated.
Take your time, and keep processing your great loss in your own way. And when you’re ready, or whatever you need, remember Mike set you up with angels that will be here for you. We, too will miss his intellect, his wit, his smile, and physical presence with you. But the aura from you “two” is etched in our mind, and will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Mike, your living was not in vain!
Vincent,Mavis Davis and Family
We were truly saddend to hear of the passing of our beloved cousin Michael lamb may you rest in peace.
The Phillips & Sutton Family
Our hearts are heavy with the transition of our dear beloved cousin, Michael A. Lamb. We are at the Throne of Grace, praying for God’s comfort. We are leaning and depending on Him for a time as this. We pray that everyone’s loving memories of Michael will encourage the joy that he would want each of us to feel. We love you Cousin. Your kind and gentle presence will be missed.
Alicia Lamb
To Aunt Hope, Cousin Brandon, Santana, and Pop Lamb: I cannot imagine what you’re going through, but what I do know (and earnestly pray you know as well), is that our Heavenly Father sees you, cares deeply for you and will walk every step of this journey of uncharted territory with you. He’s never left you, and never will. You can put your full weight on Him in each step, because He can and will handle it, and see you through.
To the Lamb-Williams Family: It’s a blessing to see such a large, loving and close-knit family as yours. I’m in awe at your strength with each loss that you’ve endured, and I pray and know that your high-regard and priority of loving and staying close to your family, and dependence on the Lord will continue to root and ground you for many years and generations to come. May God continue to hold you up on every leaning side and fill every gap where loss has been and where now sweet memories remain.
Love you much,
Alicia Lamb (Korey)
Xaveria "Gina" Sorrell
My prayers are with our family and loved ones during the passing of our beloved cousin, “Mike”. Thank you, cousin, “Mike,” for being a beacon of light. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:16, to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is heaven. You were a lighthouse, full of wisdom and guidance. You did not have to say much, but your smile said it all. You shined, like the sun (the son), glowing, bringing joy to those around you, like sunshine on a cloudy day. I remember having one of those cloudy days when I walked into the Giant grocery in Kettering, MD; some years ago. There is something about the music in grocery stores that peps me up, when I heard this, smiling, softly spoken voice say, “Hey cousin,” and I lit up when I saw my, “sunshine cousin.” It was nothing but joy and I was so very happy to see my cousin. Sometimes, the sun is hidden behind a cloud, but when it comes out, it brings joy. ” Mike” no more pain, no more suffering. I was deeply saddened by your passing and I did not know your suffering. But now you are an eternal light, like “the son” in the everlasting kingdom of God. A special prayer for your lovely wife, Hope(beautiful love story) your children and siblings. Stay strong family! 🙏❤️