Michael Clark Jolley

Mike Jolley went into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the presence of his family on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He was born on August 9, 1958 in Montebello, CA. An industrious young man, Mike set out in the restaurant business at the age of 15, and was managing his first restaurant at 18. He spent over 30 years in his first love, the restaurant business, attaining the title of President/CEO of Luther’s Bar-B-Q before transitioning to an even more rewarding career in the last 12 years as an Executive Director for Stream. A tireless worker, he dedicated himself to his family and his community. He was on the Board of Elders at Our Savior Lutheran Church, a Lifetime Board Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and President of Houston Lutherans for Life. He was best known to those he worked with for two things: always doing the right thing, and empowering others to be “Awesome.” His favorite quotes included, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” and “I truly believe that people can have everything they want in life by simply helping enough other people get what they want.” He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Jolley and his nephew, Curtis Jolley. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his daughters Jackie Jolley-Lowery and Jen Quinton; his sons-in-love Chris Lowery and Matthew Quinton; his granddaughters Jaina Lowery, Ashlyn Lowery, Liberty Quinton, Chloe Quinton, Evelynn Quinton, and Adeline Lowery; his mother, Judith Johnston; his stepfather, Arden Johnston; his brother, Gene A. Jolley; his sister-in-love Vicky Jolley; his nephews, Chris Jolley and Casey Jolley; his nieces-in-love Tammy and Maria; his great-nephews Caleb, Gabe, and Joshuah; and his great-nieces Bricanda and Natalya. His family will always remember his relentless optimism, his love of laughter (and perhaps greater love of technology…or Apple products—the man had Steve Jobs on e-mail), and always wanting to be in his upgrade path (which often times was better than new, anyway). Though it should be mentioned that no one was lucky enough to be in the Harley Davidson upgrade path. Mike’s pristine care of his Limited Edition Red with Gold Flame FXDWG2 Harley was noted by Janice’s anniversary gift of a literal bubble to keep it in. The love and warmth that Mike brought to his family and the world can be best ascribed to a star in the night sky that has burned out. Though the source of its light has gone, the light itself will continue to shine throughout our lifetimes and beyond. In his words, “Soli Deo Gloria!” In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your memorial gift to one of the following: -Houston Lutherans for Life (C/O Our Savior Lutheran Church) www.osl.cc/ -The Jolley Trust (A legacy established by Mike himself for the continuing education of his granddaughters and Janice’s nephews.) Contact Jennifer Mayer, Trustee by e-mail: mayemicg@att.net. -The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo www.rodeohouston.com/