By Mandi Sakadaris
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, February 16, 2024

    9:00 am to 12:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Friday, February 16, 2024

    12:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Sylvia (Silvia) Louise Steele was born on February 14, 1939, in Mobile, AL to the late Robbie Edward Thomas and Joseph Thomas.

    She was (1) of three daughters, her sisters Betty Lemons (who preceded her in death) and Josephine Hansel.

    She was United in Holy Matrimony on February 14th, 1960, to the love of her life James Phillip Steele (who preceded her in death) and was blessed with (2) children, Rhonda “Dede” Steele and Jason Phillip Steele (who preceded her in death).

    As James was enlisted in the United States Air Force, Sylvia and her children traveled to places such as the Philippines, and Anchorage, Alaska.

    Sylvia joined the ranks of the company, IBM, in the early 80’s as an Administrative Assistant within the Central Employment Division, retiring in the mid 90’s.  While employed with IBM she established a long-lasting friendship with several fellow employees, which went on to last into retirement. They called themselves “The Fabulous Girls”. 😉

    Sylvia enjoyed gardening and fishing (an occasional trip to the casino;-) But what really brought her joy was doting on her children, grandchildren, AND great grandchildren! She was always available should you need someone to listen and would give loving solid advise. Her compassion and generosity were beyond measure.

    Sylvia departed this life on Sunday, February 11th, 2024, with her loving daughter at her side.

    She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Rhonda “Dede” Steele (Vista, CA) granddaughter, Sonja Steele, sister, Josephine Hansel; grandsons, Nathaniel Woodard (Vista, CA), Ryan Woodard and Kyle Floyd; great grandchildren, Rhyan, Tony, Roman and Eden Woodard; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and good friends.

    Visitation: Friday, February 16, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

    Funeral Service: Friday, February 16, 2024, 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

    Interment: College Hill Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Brenda Bolfing / February 13, 2024 at 4:17 pm

    My beloved friend. Sylvia. One of the most cherished blessings in my life was the friendship we shared from the moment we met in 1982. What fun we shared with each other and the Fabulous Girls. And. of course, I knew when I told a joke I would be rewarded with your joyous laughter. God knew He had created someone special choosing Valentine’s Day for your birthday. He knew He
    had created someone so full of love that she would in turn be beloved by some many others. Happy Heavenly Birthday my dearest of friends. You will live forever in my heart. Rest in peace dear heart until we meet again.

  2. Parilee Westry / February 13, 2024 at 9:36 pm

    Condolences to the Thomas & Steele Families. Thinking of you as you walk through this difficult time and praying that you are comforted. Wishing you the comfort of her Love knowing that it will never leave you.

    In deepest sympathy

    Cousin, Parilee Thomas-Westry

  3. Dana Thomas / February 14, 2024 at 12:46 pm

    The 3 most important women in my life…Auntie Sylvia was #2 on that list. A GENUINELY beautiful human being inside and out, Auntie was love encapsulated. Trying to wrap my head and heart around the fact that she’s no longer here and I won’t be receiving my monthly “thank you for the cards” text, is harder to accept than I expected but I’m comforted by the fact that she’s reunited with other family members and she & Uncle Jimmy are spending their wedding anniversary together again. I love you more than words can say, Auntie. Have a Happy Birthday and give Gran a kiss for me please.

    Dana

  4. William Davis / February 14, 2024 at 1:28 pm

    Dear family is with deepest sympathy that I send this message. I was indeed saddened and shocked to hear of Sylvia’s transition. I admired her because she always carried herself with so much style and grace. She was a loving and kind person. She reminded me so much of Aunt Robbie. May you find peace in reading John 16:22 (“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”).

    Sylvia, may you rest in peace and enjoy being in the presence of the Lord.

    God Bless.

    Cousin, William “Mickey, Jr.” Davis

  5. Sherrie Lemons / February 15, 2024 at 6:26 am

    Condolences Cousins, You will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in Heaven, Auntie you will be missed. ♥️ Your style and grace I will always remember. I loved hearing you laugh, I think we all pin curl our hair because of you🥰. Sharing recipes was a joy. I think I’ll reach back and make a dish, Peaches and cream cheesecake. ☺️ Take your well deserve rest Auntie, you will be truly missed🙏🏽♥️💯. Sherrie Jean

  6. Madonna Herrmann / February 16, 2024 at 8:18 am

    My deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Ms Steele I will miss our conversations together.

  7. Angela Dabney / February 16, 2024 at 11:26 am

    Sincere condolences to the family. I loved popping in to the fabulous girls get togethers when I was in town visiting my mother. I will never forget Ms Sylvia’s contagious laugh and her kind heart. She will be missed by so many.

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