Farene Ray Steelman

Boonville Mrs. Farene Ray Steelman, 82, of Boonville, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2014 at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, N.C. Mrs. Steelman was born to the late Carl and Annie Holcomb Ray, June 11, 1931 in Yadkin County. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1949, and attended business school in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Steelman married the late Frank Steelman, Jr. on October 15, 1951 and was happily married for 43 years. She is also preceded in death by a son, Frank Marion Steelman III who passed away in 1988. Farene was a wonderful mother and homemaker, and an excellent cook. She also worked as a teller at NorthWestern Bank in Elkin for many years. Later, she enjoyed working with her friends at the Coker-Windsor Dress Shop. Her hobbies were crewel, counted cross stitch, and other handwork. She had a special love for animals, especially small dogs, and her beloved cat, Boots. Along with her husband, Farene was an active member in Boonville Baptist Church for over 40 years and held many church positions, and served faithfully until her health declined. Surviving her are a son, Philip Ray Steelman and wife Teresa of Lewisville, NC; two granddaughters, Kimberly and Lyndsay, and a grandson, Jonathan Steelman, and one great-grandson. Surviving also is a special friend and care-giver, Gaye Shore of Hamptonville, N.C. A viewing will be held from 2:00 to 3:00PM on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Boonville Baptist Church. Her service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. John Brown officiating. Burial will be in Boonville Cemetery. Gentry Family Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice House, 945 Zephyr Rd, Dobson, NC, 27107.