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Wilma Steele
- May 30
- 2 min read
Mrs. Wilma Jean Cowan Steele went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Park West Medical Center surrounded by her love ones. She was born February 2, 1940, to the union of Will and Blanche Cowan.
Wilma attended Knoxville City Schools, a graduate of Austin High School Class of 1958 and majored in cosmetology. After graduation, she attended Knoxville Business College where she received an associate's degree in office management.
Wilma was united in holy matrimony to Marion Steele. They were married for 43 years and to this union 3 children, Wilma Joyce, Marion, Jr and LaTanga.
Her Christian journey began at an early age at Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. M. C. M. Harris. She was actively involved in her church, and was a member of the Golden Agers.
Wilma was energetically involved in community activities to include President of high school class of ’58, representing her class for Austin/Austin-East reunions, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, the Solid Rock of Tabernacle Baptist Church, and the Red Hat Society.
She began her career as office manager at Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC). Working for over 25 years, the majority of her time was spent at Walter P. Taylor Homes. Her love for people, lead her to a second career as a Caregiver.
Wilma’s life was a beautiful testament to love, joy and quiet strength. Her heart overflowed with love for her family and friends. She loved to travel, shop, cook, bake and sew. Her special greetings were: “Hey Doll”, “Hey Baby”, and “Hey Suga”. Lastly, she was a DIVA at its finest.
She was preceded in death by parents; husband Marion Steele, Sr; sisters: Hattie Walters, Margaret Hall, Evelyn Henry; brothers: Elmer Hardy and Robert Glen Hardy.
Her memory will live on through her family, children: Wilma Joyce and David Sanders, Rev. Marion, Jr and Shelia Steele, and Latanga Steele; 7 grandchildren: Lenice Winston, Diana Sanders, Joe Battle, Brittany (Kelechi) Ordu, Janell (Adeyemi) Adams, Dr. Chelsie (Clay) Atchley, and Jordan (Shantell) Steele; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm pm at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandridge Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow. Reverend A. Wayne Howard officiating. Reverend Marion Steele, Jr. eulogist. Interment will be Tuesday June 9, 2026 at 1:00pm at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.
Revelation 21:4 promises an end to pain and death, while John 14:27 provides comforting words of peace [2]. [1, 2]
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy and may the Peace of GOD that surpasses all understanding bring comfort to all now and forever. Treasure the memories of your Love Ones in your Hearts 💕 forevermore. Continual prayers in the days, months and years to come. R.I.H. with JESUS. Mothet Wilma, Missed, but Never Forgotten.