A Time to be Born

Asbury “City Slim” Mikell, Jr. entered this world on March 12, 1961, in the storied and soulful city of Savannah, Georgia. He was born to the late Mr. Asbury Mikell, Sr. and the late Ms. Helen Brown, whose legacies lived on through him. In 1967, his life blossomed anew when he was lovingly embraced into the home of the late Mr. Marion Chisolm‑Roach and the late Mrs. Seresta Adams Roach, becoming not merely a member of their household, but their cherished son of love.

A Time to be Nurtured, Educated, and Progressive Asbury was raised in an atmosphere steeped in tenderness, discipline, and aspiration. His parents cultivated within him a deep respect for education, a steadfast sense of responsibility, and the value of honest, diligent labor. At a tender age, he was baptized by the late Rev. Lisbon B. Free at Garvin Temple Baptist Church—now known as the Temple of Glory Community Church—where he dedicated his youthful energy to the Sunday School and faithfully served on Usher Board No. 3.

His educational journey wove through the halls of Henry Street School, Pearl Lee Smith Elementary, and Bartlett Middle School, culminating proudly as a graduate of the Hershel V. Jenkins High School Class of 1980. While at Jenkins, Asbury distinguished himself both academically and athletically, playing on the Warriors Basketball Team and competing as a track athlete.

After high school, Asbury embarked on an adventurous chapter as a salesperson in the Midwest. Upon returning home to Savannah, he began a path of industrious service, working first at Great Federal Savings Bank, then at Kaiser Chemical Corporation, Great Dane Trailers, and Intermarine Company. His professional journey eventually led him to the City of Savannah’s Park and Tree Services division, where he served faithfully until retirement. Not one to rest long, he later brought his skills to Tidewater Landscaping Company before returning once more to the City of Savannah—retiring a second time in December of 2025.

A Time to Enjoy Life Asbury was a man who embraced life with open arms and an unquenchable spirit. He held a lifelong passion for sports—basketball especially—nurturing childhood dreams of one day playing professionally. As a boy, he loved the Miami Dolphins, and as he grew into adulthood, his allegiance shifted to the Atlanta Falcons.

His teenage years were painted in the glow of late‑evening games at Kennedy Park in Carver Village, where he played basketball until the sun surrendered to night. In the 900 block of Wexler Street, he reveled in half rubber, tag football, baseball, and the friendly clatter of backyard horseshoes.

“City Slim” was the spark of laughter at family gatherings and among friends, charming all with his sharp wit and playful humor. Bringing joy to others brought joy to him. In his younger days, he was known far and wide as one of the finest dancers—his rhythm, much like his spirit, impossible to forget.

A Time to Die

Asbury slipped away from us on Monday, January 26, 2026.

He is survived by his daughters – Kalonji Mikell, Jameka Mikell, Diameshia Mikell, and Lovely Daniels; his former wife, Ms. Consuelo Mikell; his sisters - Miss Lenora Brannen, Miss Martha Michael, Ms. Henrietta Loadholt, Miss Tiffany Wilder, and Ms. Mary Hines; his brothers - Pastor Nathaniel Scott Roach (Ashley) Pastor Errol Adams Roach (Evangelist Joan), Mr. Earl Wesley Smith, Mr. James Gerald Smith, and Mr. Arthur Brown; longtime friend – Ms. Dianne Daniels; his nieces, nephews, cousins, and the 900 Block of Wexler Street.

Funeral Arrangements

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Greater Emmanuel Tabernacle -The Church of Christ Holiness unto the Lord, Inc. located 1101 Stiles Avenue Savannah, GA 31415. Bishop Moses Alfred Lewis, Eulogist. Bishop Willie Ferrell, Presider.

Public Viewing will be held from 4 PM - 6 PM, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Adams Funeral Services located 510 Stephenson Ave. Savannah, GA 31405. At this time the family will receive friends and guests at the funeral home. 

Burial: Woodville Cemetery on Roberts St. Garden City, GA 31408.