Mike I. Trotter

Mike was born March 8, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Cleo and Annie Trotter. He was the second oldest of three children. Mike transitioned to eternity on July 31, 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center he was 61 years old.

In 1965 he moved to Joliet, IL with his mom and siblings to stay with the late Mitchell Smith Sr. and his family. Mike attended Joliet Public Schools and attended Joliet East High School. 

Mike met his soulmate in 1985. When you seen Mike you seen Velma. They were inseparable. A bond that couldn’t be broken. 

Mike held many job titles. He even began T. L. C. (Trotter Lawn Care) in 2007 which serviced the city of Joliet and over 100 residential customers, which still exists today. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family and helping others in need. He had a Big Heart. He would do anything for you. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, baking cakes (coconut and chocolate), playing cards, automotive work and home repairs. 

He wasn’t just a handy man; he was a problem solver, a teacher, and a source of wisdom, with endless stories to tell. He will be deeply missed. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo Trotter and Annie Trotter; beloved sister, Linda Trotter, father-in-law, Levie Ervins Sr., mother-in-law, Katie Mae Ervins and special cousin, Jack Price. 

Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Velma Trotter (married 18 years); two brothers, Cleo “Chuck” (Nadine) Trotter Jr. of Joliet, IL, and Ezkiel “Zeke” (Donna) Thomas of MS; two sisters, Janet Trotter-Edward and Darleen Trotter of MS; five children, Tanesha (Tristan) Ball of Tucson, AZ, LaTanya Ervins, Joseph Brown, Anthony Brown, and Jameel (Latonya) Brown, all of Joliet, IL; four nephews, Andre (Angela) Trotter, Ronald Jr. (Latesha) Trotter, Eric Trotter, and Isaiah Trotter, all of Joliet, IL; two nieces, Shante’ (Joseph) Barefield of Joliet, IL, and Shawntae Harris of Georgia; three aunts, Thelma Sutton of Chesapeake, VA, Jessie Lumar of New Orleans, LA, and Myrtle Satcher of Houston, TX; a special godmother, Evangelist Leasie McCullough; a sister-in-law, Elena (Clifford; deceased) Estrada of Joliet, IL; brothers-in-law, Pastor Cornell (Melody) Ervins, Carl (Cassandra) Ervins, George (Mary) Ervins, and Darien Ervins, all of Joliet, IL; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

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