Mrs. Elaine B. Steele, 100, of the Pines at Davidson, N.C., died on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 8:19 a.m. She was born April 21, 1923, in Macon, Miss., Noxubee County and was the daughter of Lillian Binion Boggess and Julian E. Boggess. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 1945. She taught horseback riding at Sullins College and Camp Sequoia in Bristol, Tenn., Appalachian State in Boone, N.C., and Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. While in Raleigh, she met Montgomery (Gom) Steele, a returning serviceman completing his engineering education at N.C. State University.

Montgomery moved to Statesville, N.C., in 1947 to work at the family business, J.C. Steele and Sons (Founded in 1889). Elaine joined Montgomery in Statesville when they married on February 28, 1948. A large and supportive community welcomed her. She was grateful that her children were able to grow up in such a wonderful town.

Montgomery and Elaine joined the First Presbyterian Church in Statesville. Over the years, they were active and devoted members.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Montgomery Steele, who passed on May 5, 1995; her parents; her sisters, Mrs. Beth Olsen and Mrs. Patsy Stevens; her brother, Dr. Julian E. Boggess; her grandson, Ransom K. Jameson; and her son, Jeffrey B. Steele.

She is survived by her three children, Leslee Jameson (Ron) of Unionville, N.C.; Richard Steele (Linda) of Arden, N.C.; and Elaine Johnson (Mark) of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Her grandchildren are Carey Steele of Bethel, Alaska; Laurel Jameson of Unionville, N.C.; Dr. Jordan Jameson (Kylie) of University Park, Md.; Katie Steele of Weaverville, N.C.; Bridger Steele (Carla) of Arvada, Colo.; Eden Steele of Thornton, Colo.; Madalyn McLeod (Dillon) of Asheville, N.C.; Bryson Johnson of Richmond, Va.; and Jeff Swicegood of Hillsborough, N.C.

Her great grandchildren are Lily Steele, Harvey Steele, Ruby Steele, Malachi Steele Hicks, Canaan Steele Hicks and Arya Jameson-Curtis.

Early on, Elaine became active in the community. She led one Brownie Scout Troop and later started another. She started the Eggheads Book Club in 1956 and helped to start The Book Club, both of which are still going strong. Her church activities included teaching Sunday School for the Senior High Fellowship, involvement in world missions (including a mission trip to Mexico) and serving as the church Grounds Committee chairman for many years.

The out-of-doors had always been Elaine’s preferred place for any number of activities, which included landscaping and loving her garden. She became fascinated with developing bonsai trees. She taught horseback riding and started a 4-H Horse Club for the children and youth of the Valley Stream neighborhood.

She served one term on the Mitchell College Board and a second term after the college became Mitchell Community College. She served on the boards of both the Civil Service and Social Service. She was a concerned and active advocate for moral values on television and film. Elaine was interested in politics and campaigned for several candidates, trying to get the kind of representation she felt was needed. She was a long-time supporter of The First Presbyterian Church, Mitchell College, and Fort Dobbs, and was a member of Colonial Dames. As Activities Chairman for Colonial Dames, Elaine undertook the preservation of Fourth Creek Burying Ground and its protection from ongoing vandalism. She was on the Steering Committee of the 1988 YMCA drive to raise $1 million for the YMCA.

Elaine retired to The Pines in Davidson in June 2008 for health reasons.

Visitation will be held at Troutman Funeral Home in Troutman, N.C., on Friday, April 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, April 13, a private graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. Reverend Jeremy Cannada will officiate. There will also be a visitation in the Living Room of The Pines to be announced for a later date.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, 125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC 28677; First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, 200 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202; or to The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Elaine B. Steele.