Mary Jane Steele

Mary Jane Steele, 94, died peacefully on November 9, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Jane was born August 9, 1927 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas to Mollie Leola and John William Talley. She was the youngest of seven children. She attended Mt. Ida High School and graduated in 1946. She, her husband Raymond and their children made their home in Arkansas for many years before moving to Sebastian, Florida. After the passing of her husband, Mary Jane moved to Chesnee, SC to live with her eldest son and wife.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren. Mary Jane was an avid quilter and seamstress. She enjoyed her quilting club and was an active member even enlisting her husband’s help in making quilts for children. In her later days she became known for her quilted potholders which she shared lovingly with her family and friends. Mary Jane was also an active volunteer in the Sebastian Public schools. She loved to read and garden. She was also a poet having authored over 25 poems mostly about her country way of life and family. All Mary Jane needed was a topic and she could write you a poem. Mary Jane was very interested in current events and was a wonderful conversationalist with a sense of humor.

A verse from Jane’s Prayer, one of Mary Jane’s poems speaks to her generosity and love for her family and friends; “And if I may be granted a single wish since I won’t pass this way again, Let me leave behind one smile a day for my family and my friends.”

Survivors include children, Darrel Scott (Kristina) of Chesnee, SC with whom Mary Jane resided, Rick Steele (Linda) of Traskwood, Arkansas, Joyce Lorraine Mitchell of Washington, and Lance Steele (Janice) of Hudson, NC. Two of Mary Jane’s children, Lloyd Scott and Debbie Ferguson preceded her in death as did her husband Walter Steele. She is survived by 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and her dear friends, the Ponder family of Richmond, KY.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Mary Jane’s final resting place will be at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that Mary Jane supported.

The family would like to thank Agape Hospice Care of South Carolina for their support and care.

Cremation services will be handled by The J. F. Floyd Mortuary of Spartanburg, SC.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel