Funeral service for Wilma Jean Steele, age 96, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas, with Charles Moore officiating. An interment will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery in West Plains, MO with Jason Stephens, Matt Stephens, William Steele, JJ Steele, Patrick Covington and Adam Leavins serving as pallbearers. There will be no formal visitation. Mrs. Steele passed away on November 19, 2021, at her residence.
Wilma Jean Hachtel was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on September 18, 1925, the daughter of Charles Hachtel and Gladys Mae Faye Hachtel. She married Samuel J. Steele on June 17, 1944, and they were blessed with five children, Carmelita Stephens, Samuel Wayne Steele, Randal Eugene Steele, Christopher Jay Steele and Tracy Lee Steele. They lived in West Plains, Missouri, before moving to Sulphur Springs, Texas, to open their own business, “Steele’s Shoe Store” downtown.
Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sulphur Springs, where she taught Primary Class from 1973 to 1975, Young Adults from 1978 to1979, was a Circle Chairman from 1977 to 1978, Conducted Installation of Officers from 1978 to 1980 for the Women of the Church. She has been hostess and circle leader many times. She assisted and led Bible School, was elected to the Board of Deacons in 1978 and elected Elder on 1986. Most recently, she was President of the Women, 1993-1994. Her faith and love of the Lord continued into the community as well. She gave time and tireless effort to the opening of The Opportunity Center in Sulphur Springs, whose purpose it was to help and teach young people with special needs.
She is survived by her daughter, Carmelita and husband Johnny Stephens of Terrell, Texas; sons, Sam and wife Sara of Sanderson, Texas, Randy Steele of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Chris and wife Kathy Steele of Miller Grove, Texas, and Tracy Steele of Sulphur Springs, Texas; grandchildren, Jason and wife Tiana Stephens of Dallas, Matt and wife Raina Stephens of Euless, Texas, Christy and husband Adam Leavins of Maumelle, Arkansas, Shannon and husband Johnny Twist, Stephanie, Amber and husband Ken Sharp, Jennifer Robinson, Charles Guy Steele, Ashley Caitlin Steele, William Steele, J.J. Steele, Andrew Steele, and Kelsey and husband Patrick Covington; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Hachtel, and her husband, Samuel Steele.
Arrangements under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
