Velma Pauline Steel

Velma Pauline James Steel,96, of Charlotte, NC and formerly of Chillicothe, OH passed away peacefully at Olde Knox Commons Home, Huntersville, NC on Saturday, October 15, 2011 with her daughter, Judy, by her side. Mrs. Steel was born May 23, 1915 in Hocking County, OH to Thomas James and Eva James Chrisman. She lived 89 years in Ohio. She married Harold Steel on September 14, 1940 who predeceased her in 1973. Of this union two daughters were born, Kay Steel Livingston, of Laguna Woods, CA and Judith Ellen Steel, of Charlotte, NC, who survive. Mrs. Steel was Treasurer of Union Scioto Schools for nearly 28 years and a member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Chillicothe for over 75 years. She moved to Charlotte, NC in 2004 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed worshipping and fellowship at University City United Methodist Church in Charlotte. She was a member of the Wesley Sunday School Class as well as the Covenant Keepers Sunday School Class. Also surviving are her sons-in-law Guy Livingston of CA and Kenneth Louchs of Charlotte, NC. She was affectionately called "Granny Goose" by four grandchildren: Tony Ranger (Annie), Stephanie Ranger Peleuses (Zeus), Jason Loucks (Alison) and Alycia Loucks Parsons (Jim), and seven great grandchildren. She eagerly awaited the arrival of her 8th great grandchild in March 2012. Velma was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, are siblings Lillian Hampshire, Eugene James, Ardella Gunlock and Roger Chrisman. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the University City United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC with Rev. Gail Werstlein officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be conducted by her grandson-in-law, Rev. James Parsons , in the spring of 2012 in the family plot at McDill Cemetery in Chillicothe, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Street UMC, 94 W. Main St., Chillicothe, OH or University City UMC Building Fund, 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. www.raymerfh.com.