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.
20 Comments To "Grace Eloise Steelman"
#1 Comment By Joyce Pkunkett On January 27, 2023 @ 2:09 pm
Shirley, Quinn, and Eloise, I am so sorry to hear that Mrs. Grace has passed. She was a very sweet, kind heart and, loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will let my sister Jody know, and I know she will be heart broken. She loved playing Dominos with Mrs. Grace.
#2 Comment By Roy Butler On January 27, 2023 @ 2:25 pm
Miss Grace was a beautiful Christian woman. Shirley and I was inspired by her life. Her dedication to Christ and kind words of encouragement were always a welcomed source of joy. We loved her and will miss her dearly. Our prayers go out to all the family.
Shirley and Roy Butler
#3 Comment By Jimmy and Janice Towry and Bri On January 27, 2023 @ 2:49 pm
She was truly a loving Christian woman.
We had the utmost respect and love for her. We have many fond memories of visits with her. Prayers for the family in your loss!!
#4 Comment By Tom and Arlene Beal On January 27, 2023 @ 3:09 pm
Such a bright delightful person. Our love and prayers are with the family
#5 Comment By Bonnie On January 27, 2023 @ 3:36 pm
Aunt Grace was one of the Sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure to meet. She always made me feel loved when I was with her. She has an amazing family that all have hearts for the Lord. I can only imagine the smile on that beautiful face today!
Love y’all!
#6 Comment By Katie Womack On January 27, 2023 @ 3:38 pm
So sorry for your loss —- May God comfort you all during this very difficult time 🙏🥰
#7 Comment By Freda Kinser Blair On January 27, 2023 @ 3:48 pm
Prayers for the family! She was a beautiful lady and I know each of you will have wonderful memories to continue to share and bring comfort to you! I know you will miss her! Love to all!
#8 Comment By Brandi Dunivan On January 27, 2023 @ 4:37 pm
Prayers for her family! She was precious!!
#9 Comment By Shirley Mann On January 27, 2023 @ 5:19 pm
Sending love hugs and prayers. I worked with her at Lee Manufacturing. She was a precious lady.
#10 Comment By Dinah Norman On January 27, 2023 @ 8:22 pm
Mrs. Grace was a beautiful lady. Prayer for her family will be greatly miss.God got a beautiful lady
#11 Comment By Bea and Bill Bowen On January 27, 2023 @ 8:54 pm
Sending you r family our love and prayers.
#12 Comment By Tommy and Jane GRAHAM On January 27, 2023 @ 10:03 pm
Ms. Grace was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She always had that beautiful warm smile. So sorry for the void it will leave but thank God that she is at peace now. Love and prayers for comfort to all the family and friends.
#13 Comment By Marie Carter On January 28, 2023 @ 2:50 pm
Mrs. Grace was a beautiful Christian lady, a good friend to my mother, a talented seamstress who gave me some sewing lessons. My prayers are with her family. She is enjoying all Heaven’s blessings.
#14 Comment By Marsha Bradford On January 28, 2023 @ 4:35 pm
Mrs. Grace was one of the kindest, sweetest ladies you’d ever want to meet, always had a smile for everyone. My family went to church with Mrs. Grace for many years, and she was my Sunday school teacher. She was an excellent seamstress, but most of all, a caring Christian lady! Prayers for her family!
#15 Comment By Charlotte Farmer On January 28, 2023 @ 8:16 pm
We loved her so much. She was a precious sweet lady. Love you all .She will be sadly missed. Loved to hear her sing in church. Prayers for you all.
#16 Comment By Steve White On January 28, 2023 @ 11:56 pm
Ms. Grace was always quick with a smile and a kind word. She lived for The Lord and it showed every day. Her Christian life still shines as a beacon through her children Shirley and Guinn. She will surely be missed in this world, but she is singing with the angels in heaven now. My prayers go out to all her family.
#17 Comment By Anne Beddingfield On January 29, 2023 @ 6:26 am
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to all her precious family . She was a beautiful lady. Our prayers are for comfort and peace. It’s so much harder to lose someone as beautiful as she was. We love you all.
#18 Comment By Dianne Ables Parker On January 30, 2023 @ 5:59 am
Eloise and family. What a beautiful life she lived. She is now home with Jesus. Prayers for all of you.
The Ables Family
#19 Comment By Misha L Gray On January 30, 2023 @ 7:34 am
Sending prayers for you all!
#20 Comment By Marcella scott On January 31, 2023 @ 2:17 am
With sincere condolences to the family. A very sweet lady enjoyed working with her at serbin