Florence Eloise “Ellie” Steele, 83, of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Born on October 27, 1942, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Ellie lived a life devoted to faith, family, and serving others. Her unwavering Christian Science commitment and compassionate spirit touched and healed countless lives throughout her lifetime.
Ellie became a Journal-listed Christian Science Practitioner with The Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1968 after studying under Josephine Carver. She faithfully served as a Christian Science practitioner for more than five decades, providing spiritual care to patients throughout the United States and internationally. She was also a writer for Christian Science publications, sharing messages of faith, healing, and hope.
Earlier in her life, Ellie served her community through her work with the Shriners, the Exchange Club, and the Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, The Friend of the Court. She was known for her generous heart, steadfast faith, and dedication to helping others.
Ellie is survived by her daughter, Terri Higham (Joseph), with whom she made her home; her sons, Jim Steele (Lori) of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and David Shamp (Margaret) of Liverpool, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Jennica Lynch (Daniel) and Joshua Haller of Ohio, Sydney Steele and Ryan Steele of Florida, Amber Steele of Indiana, Alexis Spegal (Chris) and Timothy Steele of Ohio, and Ella and Grace Higham of North Carolina; many cherished great-grandchildren; and her niece, Brenda Flowers, of South Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl H. Steele; son, John W. Steele; daughter, Kimberly A. Steele; and her grandson, Jacob R. Haller.
Ellie will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, practitioner, and friend whose life reflected compassion, service, and unwavering faith. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her family, her ministry, and her love for others.
In accordance with Ellie’s wishes, in lieu of cut flowers, memorial contributions may be made by planting flowers or trees in her honor or by donating to a favorite charity in her memory.
A private memorial service will be held for immediate family.
Thank you for sharing her story. I only got the privilege of speaking to her a couple of times while she was out walking. She was so sweet and compassionate. I lift you and your family up in prayers.
I am beyond blessed to have been able to have a deep conversational relationship with her for almost 2 years almost every day. She has deeply changed me and forever into a better version of myself. And she is most definitely one of the most phenomenal people I’ve ever met! She taught me to understand a broader concept of love. Her teachings are forever established in my heart and I continue to use them every day to help myself and also to radiate out and bless others.