It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Lou Steele announces her passing at the age of 86, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y., She was born on August 5, 1938, in Salisbury, N.C.

She was in the class of 1957 at Morningside High School. Shortly after high school, she settled in New York City. She married David N. Steele, who was an officer with the New York City Police Department, from where he retired. Mary worked various domestic jobs initially to help support the family but was primarily a homemaker. They had five children, Angela, David (Junior), Davie, Pamela and Tammy. Mary returned to Statesville, N.C., where she lived for a number of years. In 2008, she returned to New York, dividing her time for several years between her daughters in New York and Georgia. She peacefully lived out the remainder of her life in Highland Mills, N.Y., loved and cherished by her family.

Mary was known for her kind, gentle, meek spirit. She was soft spoken, quick to smile and loved her family. She always took the time to send a birthday greeting or to make a phone call to convey well wishes. She liked things neat and meticulous and encouraged this practice in others. There is a place in our hearts that will remain empty, filled only by her. We are comforted knowing she has entered into her eternal, peaceful rest.

Mary is survived by her children, Angela (Jeffrey) Powder, Davie Steele, Pamela (Thomas) Singleton, and Tammy Steele; grandchildren Yasmin Powder, Gregory Steele, Jafar Powder, Michael Powder, Royce Martin, Whitney (Tim) Chewens, Jannah Martin, Nadine (Hansley) Bobo, Deanndria Singleton, Shareef Martin, and Angela (Kevin) Newton. In addition, she leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis (Jerry) Imes, and special brother Chester Leazer; as well as Aunt Lucy Mills and Uncle Leon Carruth.

She was predeceased by her husband David; son Junior; mother Nadine Mills; brothers James and Wayne Mills; grandfather Clyde Mills; uncles, Clinton, Grady, John Ervin and Jay Lynn Mills; and aunts Ruth Leazer, Alda Mae Parker and Annette Carruth.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services at Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church, 935 Mount Tabor Road, Cleveland, NC 27013 on February 1, 2025. Viewing is at 1:30 p.m., with the service to begin at 2 p.m. The Reverend Timothy Porter will be officiating.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home, Statesville, is serving the family.