Lois Steele

Lois Goertz Steele, 70 years of age, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, January 27, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast in Concord. Lois was born April 27, 1943 in Vom, Nigeria, in a candle-lit grass hut, to the late Samuel Peter Goertz and the late Florence Emma Goertz. Lois spent her childhood in Nigeria, before moving to the United States to attend high school. She was a graduate of Columbia International University and was a Registered Nurse. She and her husband were missionaries in the Canary Islands and also served in many stateside ministries. She was a gifted pianist and took pleasure in many things, including her family, singing, chocolate, scented candles, laughter, spectator sports and hugs. Most of all, she loved her Lord and the countless people He called her to encourage in ways large and small. She was known not for what she said but for what she did and how she made people feel. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2014, at North Albemarle Baptist Church, 401 Park Ridge Road, Albemarle. The memorial service officiated by Rev. Brad Lynch and Rev. Keith Cobb will follow at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2014, at North Albemarle Baptist Church. Survivors include her loving husband of 48 years, David Fred Steele, Jr. of Albemarle; sons, David (Shannon Lanier) Steele III of Lakeland, FL and Dr. Danny (Holley) Steele of Birmingham, AL; daughters, Sharon Davis and Becky (Roger) Aldridge of Albemarle; grandchildren, D.J., Will, and Elizabeth Steele; Emma and John Davis; Ian and Caitlyn Aldridge; Savannah Grace and Freddie; and brother, Tim (Esther) Goertz of Wilmington, DE, as well as an extended, tight-knit family that included many aunts, uncles and cousins, nephews and a niece. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Sharon Goertz Seldomridge. Memorials may be made to There's Hope, Inc. PO Box 1196, Albemarle, NC 28002. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Steele family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com