Julie M. Steele

Julie M. Steele Julie M. Steele, age 58, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in Marshall, where she lived for the past 22 years. Julie was born September 2, 1952 in Harvey, Illinois and grew up in Port Huron, MI until she moved to Bellevue, MI in 1969. She was a graduate of Bellevue High School, class of 1970. She was the daughter of Jack and Irene (Cioni) Watson. Julie graduated from Kellogg Community College with a degree in Child Development; she was employed by Head Start for 19 years, in Battle Creek, Albion and Marshall. Julie touched so many young children's lives, she was a talented teacher, who was remembered for being kind to everyone. She was always an ambassador for the first step movement program. She taught workshops for Kellogg Community College, to develop balance, coordination and brain development through movement. She always made sessions fun, and used everyday objects to show students and teachers how to encourage brain development through movement. She was a talented decorator and helped many people with seasonal decorations and weddings. Her classrooms were always a delight to the eyes of children and teachers and many asked her to help them decorate as well. She enjoyed antiques, making crafts, cooking, gardening, and teaching. She played drums all through high school. She was in the Drum and Bugle Corp in Sarnia, Canada. Julie loved her sons so much and was so proud of them. She is survived by sons, Jeremiah Steele (Liz Smith) of Hendersonville, NC and Andrew Steele (Ivsar Afanadon) of Ventura, CA; mother, Irene Watson of Battle Creek; sister, Toni Watson of Grand Rapids; very special friend, Larry Liggett of Marshall; special cousins, Milton (Chip) Whitmore, Sharon Grossenbacker, Debby Abbott and Diana Vanhoose; special aunt, Tillie Porter. Julie is preceded in death by her father, Jack Watson; maternal grandparents, Guilio and Gaetana Cioni; paternal grandparents, Connor and Elsie Watson. Julie had donated most of her life to raising her sons. She had prayed that someday God would grant, her love and she found that love only 3 months ago, when Larry and Julie both prayed for love, God granted them both their wish that day, as they were led to Family Fare grocery store, where they met, only a few minutes after they prayed. Her family and friends said, she had a smile on her face and she was totally happy. Larry feels blessed to have had her love for such a short period of time. Larry says, we will be together again someday. The family will receive friend on Thursday at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marshall from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions to Julie's sons, Jeremiah Steele and Andrew Steele. Checks should be made payable to Irene Watson. To leave a personal message and sign the on line guest book please, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.