Edith Combs Steelman

- Our Mother, Edith Nell Combs Steelman, age 99 went home to live with her Heavenly Father on July 14, 2013. She was born in Surry County January 24, 1914 to the late Luther Combs and Shirley Roberta "Bertie" Cockerham Combs. She received Jesus as her Savior when she was a young girl at Elkin Valley Baptist Church in Elkin and attended there until she married the love of her life, Arlie H. Steelman in 1931. They moved to Boonville in 1933 and she joined Boonville Baptist Church when J. P. Davis was pastor. She taught children in Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was very active in the Women's Missionary Union as long as her health permitted. She loved the Lord and set a good example for her children. She was an avid supporter of the Boonville Book Club, Boonville Home Demonstration Club, and Boonville Women's Club. She loved doing for others and singing. She could be found, in the hallways at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center Singing, "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know" for many years. When She couldn't relate to her family, she could still sing her favorite songs. Time cast a shadow on her memory and age robbed her mind of dates and names. It seems the pieces of her past were lost forever. God blessed her with four children, Arlis Nell S. Norman (Tommy-deceased), Bennett Steelman (Colene), Linda S. Crissman (Jack), and Jenny S. Carter (Kenneth). Also important to her were her eleven grandchildren, Dianne Norman Watson (Lloyd), Eddie Norman (Julia), Danette Steelman-Bridges (Keith), Janene Steelman Dolge (Matthew), Shannon Steelman (Tracie), Amara Steelman-White (Tim), Kenny Crissman (Tammy), Andy Crissman (April), Rusty Crissman (Donna), Kendra Carter Hennings, (Britt), and Andrea Carter Stewart (Shane). She also leaves behind 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Betty S. McNeil and Edna Steelman. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, Arlie, 2 sisters, and 4 brothers. We know Mom is happy now "at home in Heaven" with her many loved ones. Though her mind failed her, her spirit was still alive. She has left her family with a sense of peace and final victory. The family would like to publicly thank the Nursing Center for the professional care and personal love shown to her each day as they cared for her, like their own, when the Center became "her home" away from home in 2000. Also to her friend who continues to send her cards, visit and bring her flowers even though she appeared to be unaware for years. She would have liked to say "Thank You" to so many! Nanny's grandchildren will celebrate her life at her Memorial Service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 17, 2013 in Boonville Baptist Church, with her visitation before the service from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Boonville Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the activity center at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center, 700 Johnson Ridge Road, Attn: Carolyn Caldwell, Elkin, NC 28621. This will help to provide continued activities, outings, and Bible Study for the residents. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Steelman Family. Galatians 5:22 " The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control." She was truly a child of God and lived with his Spirit in her because she showed all of these qualities.