Genevieve Steelman Kiser

On Tuesday morning, October 25, Genevieve Steelman Kiser entered her heavenly home after having a stroke. Genevieve was born June 23, 1954 in Iredell County to John Buford and Geneva Chaffin Steelman. In addition to her parents, Genevieve was preceded in death by her son, Garrett Kiser, her husband Steve Kiser, and a special aunt, Mary Lee Steelman.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Blair Kiser (Todd Rennix), her granddaughter, Hadley Kiser, her brother, Brent (Linda) Steelman, nieces and nephews: Lyndsey (Will) Ballard, Hilary (Steve) Miaczynski, Blake (Katie) Steelman, and Travis (Kendall) Steelman, and great nieces and nephews: Conner, Aidan, Grant, Charlotte, Christian, Brent, Hudson, Harper, and Brody.

Genevieve was a 1972 graduate of Starmount High School where she excelled in academics and athletics. She attended Appalachian State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Ever a lifelong learner, Genevieve continued her education by receiving a Master of Arts degree, a degree in Library Science, and she was a National Board Certified teacher in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood/Library Media. Genevieve taught at Jonesville Elementary School, West Yadkin Elementary School, and concluded her thirty-four years of teaching at Union Grove Elementary School. After her retirement, Genevieve continued to share her love for books and learning by working several years at the Wilkes County Public Library.

Sports were always an important part of Genevieve’s life whether as a participant or spectator. There has never been a more enthusiastic Duke basketball fan than Genevieve. Like her mother and brother, who were both basketball coaches, Genevieve understood the ins and outs of the game, and often coached her Blue Devils from her recliner. In recent years, she volunteered her time to conduct tours of the Duke Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame, including tours of Cameron Indoor Stadium where according to Genevieve, one would find “the one and only blue heaven”.

Genevieve’s greatest joy came from her daughter, Blair, and her blue-eyed, blonde-haired granddaughter, Hadley. The three of them had a special bond, and they were devoted in their love and support of each other. Without a doubt, Hadley is one of the most read to children in America. Genevieve’s goal was to read one thousand books to Hadley before she started kindergarten. “Nana” and four-year-old Hadley have already achieved and exceeded this goal.

Genevieve’s love for her family and friends was surpassed only by her love for God. She was quick to give Him the glory for providing her with the strength to weather the storms in her life. Genevieve spent several hours a week participating in Bible studies offered through her church, Center Grove Baptist Church. The more she studied the Bible, the more she wanted to learn. She currently was studying the Book of Revelation. Conversations with her friends reflected her unwavering faith and her desire to be a reflection of God’s love to each of His children.

Genevieve, throughout her life, put others before herself. She was a strong woman with a big heart; always helping those who were in need. She was a loyal friend who inspired us with her faith and selflessness, she made us laugh with her dry wit, and she loved us unconditionally. To say that Genevieve will be missed is an understatement. She will forever live in our hearts.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A celebration of Genevieve’s life will follow in the chapel. The service will be officiated by Justin Crouse and Alan Malchuk. Memorials may be made to Not Forgotten Ministries, 1624 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Salem Pregnancy Care Center, 3001 Maplewood Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.”

Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Kiser family.