Funeral service for Grace Eloise Steelman, age 92, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 12pm on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Park City Baptist Church with Bro. Jason Caldwell officiating, standing in for Bro. Don Russell. Burial will follow at Prospect Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 11am to 12pm on Monday at the church.
Grace Eloise Steelman was born to Tom and Eveline McDow Leatherwood on July 27, 1930, and received Jesus as her Savior and Lord as a child. After living a life of love and obedience to God she left this body to join Jesus in heaven on January 26, 2023. She was preceded in death by WJ (Hickey) Steelman, her husband of 54 years, and their great-grandchild, Angel. As well as three brothers, John Lee, Jess, and Jimmy Dale, and three sisters, Annie Curtis, Sybil Reavis Whitaker, and Elaine Hone who are all deceased. Grace is survived by Shirley (Marlon) Simmons, Guinn Steelman, both of Fayetteville, Eloise (David) Spray of Etowah, NC and Wade (Tracey) Steelman of Canton, GA. Her extended family included 6 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Grace was a talented homemaker who spent her time caring for her children, sewing, gardening, canning, and cooking. She was known for her delicious coconut cakes, chess pies, fried peach pies, and chicken and dumplin’s. She was a seamstress for Serbin Manufacturing, Jonathan Logan, and Lee Manufacturing where she enjoyed the company of many friends. Afterward, Grace busied herself making window treatments, caring for grandchildren, studying to teach an adult ladies Sunday School Class, and writing poetry. She also sang alto in the choir at Park City Baptist Church where she was an active member from 1953 until her death.
In her final days, her local family, Shirley, Marlon, Guinn, and later Eloise joined the rotation, loved her well by taking care of her every need. Her church family provided meals, visits, and calls weekly and Bro. Don Russell and Bro. Jason Caldwell visited regularly. Her co-worker and friend, Ann Spray visited Grace weekly for years. Dr. Jones was one of her favorite people.
Grace’s life was one lived loving God and loving others. She was a committed Christian witness, persistent prayer, faithful wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her life was characterized by love, grace, patience, forgiveness, creativity, and service. Grace was loved and admired by many because of her servant heart. She will be greatly missed. Her desire would be that you would come to know Jesus, repent of your sin, trust Him as your Lord and Savior, and join her one day in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Park Baptist City Church Building Fund, 2809 Huntsville Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; or charity of your choice. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Grace Eloise Steelman.
