Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele

1925 - 2019

Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele
10/18/1925 - 01/12/2019
The daughter of Edward David and Julia Walker, Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele, was born in Lakeland Florida, on October 18, 1925. She began performing at 4 years old, first as a musician in her grandfather's church, and later, in secret practice sessions in a high school near the family home. When she expressed her interest in music and began singing and playing piano as a young girl, her parents nurtured her musical gift by providing her with the best musical training available. She graduated from Rochelle High School in Lakeland, Florida and went on to receive an Associate of Arts degree in Voice, Piano and Music Education from Florida Memorial College, the Bachelor of Science degree in Voice, Piano & Music Education from Alabama State University, and the Master of Arts degree in Voice, Piano and Choral Conducting from Columbia University. In 1973, she earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Humanities and Music, with a special emphasis in multicultural music and education, from Florida State University. Dr. Steele enjoyed a highly successful career as a choral music director, voice instructor, music educator, vocal performer and cultural arts administrator. She served Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) from 1947-1976 as a Voice Instructor and Director of the FAMU Concert Choir. From 1976 until her retirement in 2013, she served Bethune-Cookman College (now University) with distinction in various capacities including Professor of Music, Humanities Division Chairman, Director of Cultural Affairs and Director/ Conductor of the world-acclaimed Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale. An acclaimed academician, choral conductor, concert singer, dancer and piano accompanist, Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele had a distinctive artistic style that continues to be retold by family members, peers, mentors, and countless numbers of students who experienced the genius that exuded from the gentle movement of her hands and the life lessons she packaged in her daily anecdotes. Dr. Steele and the Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale were in constant demand for performances throughout the United States. Former University Presidents (Dr. George W. Gore, Dr. Benjamin Perry of FAMU, and Dr. Oswald P. Bronson and Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed of BCC/U) all touted her as a brand ambassador and masterful fundraiser. She is credited with raising millions of dollars to provide scholarships for deserving students who performed in her choirs. Dr. Steele was a member of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church (Daytona Beach, Florida), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated. She was married to the late John G. Steele for more than 60 years. Dr. Steele will be missed by all those whose lives she touched. Her memory will be cherished by her loving and devoted son, John David Steele; her granddaughter, Jh'Niya and her mother, Gwen; two sisters-in-law, Millie Benjamin (Elmore) of Pensacola, Florida and Norma Foster of Simi Valley, California; two nephews, Charles Foster and Dr. R. Jeffrey Benjamin; six nieces, Sharon K., Michelle , Teresa, Cynthia, Monica, and Daisy (Hubert) who were care-providers, and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues, and former students of Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, Bethune-Cookman University, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. A public viewing will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Getrude Hotchkiss Heyn Memorial Chapel, Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. An additional public viewing will be held on January 19, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Atrium of the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, Bethune-Cookman University, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.