Carole J. Steele

Carole Jean Steele, 76, of East Palatka passed from this life on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Kindred Hospital in Green Cove Springs, Florida following an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family.

A native from Nashville, Tennessee, graduated from OCC, Oklahoma Christian College, where she met her future husband, Billy Joe Steele, while he was attending his Ministry Programs. They were married for 48 years.

Billy was in the Air Force and a missionary for the Church of Christ. He was stationed in Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines. A year later Carole joined him, and they both adopted their children, Jeannie and James.

Carole not only was a devoted & faithful Christian, but a preachers’ wife at best, alongside of Billy. She worked as an office manager for a medical company in Indiana for many years. She was an active member of the College Road Church of Christ in Palatka, Florida. She had led Ladies classes for the Christian women in the church. Carole enjoyed gardening, sewing, scrapbooking and Ancestry Genealogy research.

She was preceded by her loving husband, Billy Joe Steele, her parents, Leland and Thelma Ellis, and her sister, Jennie Lazorchek (Dave).

Carole is survived by her daughter, Jeannie D. (Steele)-Sidibe, her son, James D. Steele, and grandson, Kuba L. Steele.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the College Road Church of Christ, Palatka along with Bro. C.L. Overturf Jr. and Bro. Chuck Blocker officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation and viewing from 4:00 till service at 5:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Murray, Kentucky on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Charles Taylor will officiate, and burial will follow.

Flowers are greatly accepted or donations may be sent to Mount Dora Children’s Home, 301 W. 13th Ave, Mt. Dora, FL 32757

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com

The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of local arrangements.