Shirley Pelton Ballard-Steele

Shirley Pelton Ballard-Steele



Dr. Shirley Pelton Ballard-Steele, with the grace of God flew from her coop and now flies with the angels. She had the vision of eagles always wanting to spread her wings and reach her highest goals. She made a difference in many people's lives because she had the passion to teach, and a love for music, dance, boating, painting, and reading. She loved her family and was known to provide smiles and warmth to all. She was the consummate lady who modeled behaviors her daughters would need to be strong and stand for their convictions.

Shirley Pelton Ballard-Steele passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2012 at her Tallahassee home. Shirley was born in 1925 to Morris Pelton (Prishkolnik) and Sylvia Rose Pelton (Skolynoski) emigrants from Moldova and Bessarabara, Russia (Romania). She's lived in New York City, Jacksonville, Merritt Island, Cocoa, Estero, and finally settled into her cozy nest in Tallahassee, Florida. She raised two daughters, while working, taking college courses, accomplishing a Bachelor of Arts from FSU, a Master's of Science from Nova University, and ultimately her doctorate, an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Nova University. She is known for starting the successful Cosmetology program at Brevard Community College, Cocoa, FL and subsequently retired as a professor of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. She was then asked and proudly served as a Commissioner with the National Accreditation Commission of Arts and Sciences ensuring Schools of Cosmetology were properly accredited.

Dr. Mom was the wind beneath the wings of her two daughters, Charlotte and Pat. Her first daughter Charlotte Engelhardt Lambers (Crawfordville, FL.), with husband Dale W., presented her with grandchildren Aaron W. Lambers (Boise, ID) and Colin B. Lambers (Milan, MI). Aaron, with wife Kimberly, has two children - Ashley and Shelby. Colin, with wife Stephanie, has three children - Caiden, Tanner, and Lochlin. Her second daughter Pat Engelhardt, with her husband Dr. James Hawker (Avon Park, FL), has daughter Karly Hawker (Orlando, FL). Shirley is survived by her brother Mike Pelton (Georgia), sisters Frances Horowitz (Jacksonville) and Phyllis Bassett (Jerry, Illinois); nephews Dr. Jess Miller (Arizona), David Miller (Arizona), Michael Horowitz (Florida), Dr. Mark Pelton (Georgia), John Bassett (Illinois), and Richard Bassett (Illinois); nieces Lisa Miller (New Jersey) and Linda Stebbins (Illinois); and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Shirley was married to the late Louis D. Engelhardt, Jr., father of Charlotte and Pat, the late Charles L. Ballard, and the late Richard J. Steele who brought nine beautiful children and numerous grandchildren into her life.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 8, at 3:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Please join us for a celebration of her life.