Gladys Steele

Lora Gladys Steele, age 81, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

A native of Perry County, Mississippi, Gladys graduated from Runnelstown High School and later from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in education. She devoted her life to a fulfilling career in the public school system, teaching for over forty years, and left a lasting impression on every student she taught. For many years, Gladys taught in the Hattiesburg Public School system as a gifted teacher, encouraging her students to reach their full potential, both academically and artistically.

Gladys was an avid reader, masterful cook, and prolific antique shopper. Known for her quick wit and humorous personality, she kept everyone on their toes and always filled the room with her larger-than-life personality.

Gladys spent the last few years of her life at Morning Pointe East Hamilton Assisted Living in Ooltewah, Tennessee, where her caretakers provided loving and compassionate care and treated her as family. Lifecare of Collegedale, Tennessee, and Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga, Tennessee, took exceptional care of Gladys in her final days. Her family offers tremendous gratitude to all of these facilities.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Bobbie Autry, and brother, Wayne Autry. She is survived by her son, Brett (Pamela) Steele, two daughters, Meagan Steele Beasley and Marla (Brian) Steele Tumiel, her sister, Rhonda (David) Cooley, eight grandchildren, Tyler (Alex) Kitchens, Gunner Beasley, Bree (Trevor) McGill, Jenna (Cole) MacDonald, Nick Cambria, Amelia Steele, Bailee Steele, and Addison Steele, and seven great grandchildren, Emery Dodd, Emersyn and Henlee McGill, Briggs and Landry MacDonald, and Jay and Chris Kitchens.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Jones and Son Funeral Home in Richton. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Jones and Son Funeral Home in Richton, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow at County Line Baptist Church Cemetery in Ovett, Mississippi.

Those wishing to order flowers for the visitation and service in Mississippi may contact Country Florist & Gifts in Richton, MS (601-788-9223) or Garden Gate Flowers & Gifts in Petal, MS (601-583-0702) or Sweet Blossom in Petal, MS (601-329-2238).