Susan Shore Steelman

Steelman Yadkinville- Susan Reece Shore Steelman, 84, passed away at Forsyth Medical Center on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 after a brave battle with breast cancer. She lived each day to the fullest and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Susan was born on June 8, 1928, the oldest of four siblings, to Thelma and Luther Shore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, H. Frank Steelman, who passed away on April 3, 1989. Their marriage was filled with faith, trust and love for each other and family. Susan is survived by her daughter, Janet Robbins and husband, Leon; daughter, Gail Mock; sister, Ann Smitherman (Husband, Derl - deceased); brother, Jack Shore (wife, Martha - deceased); brother Wiley Shore and wife, Shelby. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Roy Steelman (wife, Helen - deceased), and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Coe (husband, Roy - deceased) and Ina Mae Sheek. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Andy Thomasson (Wife, Andra), Morgan and Lauren Mock, and great-granddaughter, Hillary Thomasson. She was loved by many including a large group of cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends. Growing up on a dairy farm, Susan learned at an early age to work hard and stay busy. She milked cows early each morning before walking to meet the bus for school. This love for farming continued throughout her life as she and Frank enjoyed gardening and raising beef cattle on their farm on Shore Road. Susan graduated from Boonville School and Woman's College (now UNCG) where she earned a degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics several years at West Yadkin and Yadkinville Schools and then completed her career of 40 years at Boonville School as a 7th grade Language Arts teacher. At age 52, she received her Masters in Middle Grades from Appalachain State University. Susan was a lifelong member of Deep Creek Friends Church, active member of NC Yearly Meeting, a dedicated Sunday School Teacher and devoted volunteer to Yadkin Christian Ministries. She loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the piano until she could no longer play because of Arthritis. She was an avid supporter of Missions, and enjoyed being church treasurer which she took over after the death of her husband, Frank. She was very independent and knowledgeable about business and kept excellent records of church history as well as personal business. Susan was always interested in her students and youth at church. She eagerly attended high school reunions and in 2012 dedicated a seat in the Yadkin Arts Council Gallery to honor all of her former students. She was energetic in teaching English Literature and grammar. Because of this commitment, she enabled them to develop excellent writing skills and inspired many to pursue teaching as a career. Her love for the church youth allowed them to attend Quaker Lake Camp, participate in mission trips, and pursue ministry and music opportunities. Up until age 83, she enjoyed helping the youth at VBS where she would direct, sing and act out the bible stories with Chadder Theatre. Most of all, she loved her family and was so thankful for how God had blessed her to be able to help her family and community. Years after retirement were filled with church committees, volunteering, ECA, Delta Kappa Gamma, Yadkin Christian Ministries as well as helping her daughters and grandchildren. She was recognized with many awards for volunteering, including the Duke Energy Citizenship Award in April 2012. She loved being the food coordinator at Yadkin Christian Ministries and driving to the food bank and local stores to purchase food. She encouraged support for Yadkin Christian Ministries by promoting the "Walk for Hunger" each year. During the last week of her life, she was honored to have the Walk for Hunger on October 7, 2012 at the Yadkin Park named for her. Although Susan was known for her hard work ethic, she also enjoyed taking the time to travel with H&R tours. Not only did she and her friends tour all over mainland USA, other destinations included China, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, and Switzerland. Nancy Holt, her best friend from childhood, enjoyed taking these trips with her. They had a special bond of friendship. Susan will always be remembered as a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. Her love of life and her famous chicken pie will be missed by all who knew her. Although her presence will be missed, her spirit will linger because of the legacy and vitality for life she left behind. The family would like to thank Dr. Ann Evans, Dr. Cathy Shore, Mountain Valley Hospice, Dr Susan Hines, all the great staff of Palliative Care at Forsyth Medical Center, and especially all her family and friends who have supported her during her illness. Visitation will be on Thursday night from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville, NC. A celebration of her life will be held Friday morning at 11:00 AM at Deep Creek Friends Church in Yadkinville, NC, by the Rev. Georgianne Satterfield and the Rev. Richard Eskew. Burial will follow the service in the Deep Creek Friends Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family feels that Susan would appreciate canned food donations to Yadkin Christian Ministries. Cans of food, and especially fruit, can be brought to Gentry Family Funeral Service on Thursday night. Donations can also be made to Yadkin Christian Ministries, PO Box 204, Yadkinville, NC 27055, Deep Creek Friends Elevator Fund, c/o of Jared Warden 1140 Deep Creek Church Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055, or to Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267, Yadkinville NC 27055. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.