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.
Ellie was a wonderful spiritual thinker and healer; so strong and consistent in her understanding of Truth. She was a great help to me personally and to the Christian Science Media Committee of Metro Washington (DC) when she lived in this area and even after she moved to North Carolina. I have many emails from her and will read and cherish their messages for a long time to come. Feeling much love for her family!
She will always be remembered and loved by thousands of Gods Children’ The one thing we both agreed on in our journey in life; “WHAT WOULD JESSUS DO”
This gets us through all times during our journey on earth.
She will never be done with her journey now that she has passed on to eternal life.
Praise Lord and God Bless 🙏
My aunt Ellie is and always still be in the hearts of millions of people throughout her life . She did takes roads that have hurt her losing children, but she always stayed strong in her prayers and practice of Christian Science. This seed planted in all of us children and now adults, is. Still there and always will be. Because when you know Christ Jesus healings always are in your God given Soul.
I am very grateful to have known Ellie for the past 10 years. I think of her often and will miss her. Much love to her family. Her testimonies of healing have been an inspiration to me and those I have shared them with. I will continue to study her writing and videos. Love Laury
Ellie is still doing now as she did every day, loving God and man.
I have been so blessed to have known her and and felt that great love
too.
Ellie is a treasure. The years we knew each other, were friends are heart moments gratefully shared. I remind myself of her teachings and consistent love.
Kreista Grace
I met Ellie over the phone a couple of years ago. Our conversations started with a friend and then it was the 2 of us. We would talk twice a month for about an hour about God and many other things. Ellie was a remarkable woman and practitioner. I miss our conversations and her positive outlook on life. God bless Ellie and her family at this time! Lovingly, Lynne Ferriera.
Ellie was the sweetest person I have ever known in my life. I wish I had been a better friend to her. She was always positive, lifting people up and making them laugh. Showing everyone love and compassion. She is in heaven now and she is happy… I know that!