Lillie Steele's Obituary
Lillie Mach Steele was born September 25, 1923 at home near Axtell, Texas to Frank and Mary Mach, both of Czechoslovakian decent. Farming was the family business and as the tenth of twelve children Lillie learned the rewards of hard work, the blessings of family unity, and the integrity of honest labor. These lessons instilled independence and self-confidence which would prepare her for success and fulfillment as a person, wife and mother.
After high school Lil moved to Dallas and completed a degree at Draughons Business College. For additional income during her employment years, Lil taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio where she met her student George Steele. Marriage soon followed. Lil’s business acumen was put to good use when as a couple they embarked on business ownership. Lil was devoted to George for seventy-two years and it helps to love your boss.
As a mother, she championed family values, taught spiritual lessons, encouraged education, and managed the household budget for a family with five children. By her example she instilled the necessary ingredients for her children to be successful, self-sufficient, and godly adults.
Lil further developed her walk in faith by attending Criswell Bible Institute and Lay Institute at Dallas Theological Seminary. She volunteered in areas of need; distributing clothes to the needy, tutoring elementary school students, teaching English to seminary wives, and lead numerous bible studies. She and George even helped start up a church in their own home.
Lil enjoyed people. She and George often entertained at their home with cook outs, swimming, and homemade ice cream. Family ties were important to her thus gatherings were frequent. She loved playing dominoes and often displayed her contagious laugh and teasing manner. After raising five children she enjoyed loving on her grandchildren, gardening, needle work and baking. Her poppy seed kolaches, angel biscuits, and German chocolate cake were the best in the eyes of her family and will be missed.
On Friday, December the 27, 2019 Lil joined her husband in heavenly glory after years of declining health. Fortunately, her influence leaves a mark on all of her children, sixteen surviving grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren. Her heart’s desires, which she self documented, was to “receive Christ as savior and to live godly lives”.
Lil was preceded in death by her husband, George Gilbert Steele; oldest son, George Gilbert Steele II; and grandson, Jonathan Edward Steele.
She is survived by her sons, Terry Steele and spouse Sandy of Herndon, VA, Marvin Steele and spouse Suzetta of Garland, TX, and Eldon Steele and spouse Grace of Tyler, TX; daughter Linda Steele Willis and spouse Glenn of North Richland Hills, TX.
Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11th in the Lotus Room at Restland Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow in Garden of Serenity at 11:15 a.m., and a memorial service to follow at the Steele home at 12:00 p.m.
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