Bernice Steelman

Her memory is a blessing to all who knew her.  Julia Bernice Steelman entered eternal life on May 19, 2023, after 103 years dedicated to her family, community, and church.  Kind, humble, and loved by all, her spirit is carried on by her five children, 12 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and an extended family of church friends and community members from Chickasha and beyond.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength and reassuring presence in all of our lives.  She also taught us many valuable lessons, among them:

Height is just a number.  Standing at a diminutive five foot even, she served as a literal unit of measure for those lucky enough to experience the special childhood memory of finally surpassing her in height.  Grandma Be loved this rite of passage.  She lost a few inches over the years, and it has been said that later generations may have had an easier time achieving this milestone.  But true to form, she gracefully allowed each child a real sense of accomplishment no matter their (or her) standing.

Hard work begets a well-lived life.  Be and her husband of 44 years, Elmer, founded Steelman's Decorating in downtown Chickasha in 1960.  For generations, their store has been a cornerstone of the Chickasha community and continues to fill countless homes with beauty and comfort to this day.  Be worked steadily until she reached 96, finding particular talent in creating flower arrangements for her customers.  She produced countless floral masterpieces including a few baskets full of cheerful blooms for her asthmatic granddaughter who was hospitalized.  Hidden amongst the daisies and rosebuds were tiny lollipops which proved to be a miracle cure.  Be's beautiful Memorial Day sprays were always a local favorite and every year she enjoyed this thoughtful way of helping her customers remember and honor their loved ones.

Go swimming every chance you get. Grandma Be loved nothing more than family reunions at Lake Tenkiller and often enjoyed a quick dip in the water.  Her dutiful daughters scoured the shelves of every department store in Oklahoma City to find bathing suits worthy of her approval, which she happily wore each summer while enjoying the lake.  In later years, she donned a captain's hat and from the comfort of a boat delighted in watching her ever-growing family make a lifetime of memories of swimming, splashing, water skiing, and cliff jumping.

Holidays are best spent in a home packed with family and food, especially Grandma Be's Pecan & Raisin Roll.  Just melt two sticks of margarine with 16 oz. of marshmallows.  Mix with 16 oz. of graham cracker crumbs, 15 oz. of raisins, and 3 cups of pecans (preferably grown in your own backyard and then cracked and hulled while watching Wheel of Fortune).  Put the mixture on a buttered baking pan and shape into a roll when cool enough to handle.  Chill, slice, and enjoy surrounded by loved ones.

A celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at Sevier Funeral Home, 702 W Chickasha Ave, Chickasha, OK, Ireton Cemetery.  Her family members would like to thank everyone for remembering our beloved Grandma Be, and keeping a special place for her in their hearts.  With love, Randall & Gladys Steelman, Retha Morrow, Charles & Gail Steelman, Wade & Phylis Steelman, Su & Dwayne Bunch, and all of their children:  LaDonna & Greg Harvey, Diana & Don Markus, Jay & Andrea Steelman, John & Kara Steelman, Joanna & Russ Hayes, Michael & Raelynn Morrow, David & Christy Morrow, Kerri & Jim Rainey, Ryan & Traci Steelman, Christina & Justin Hutson, Greg & Kim Bunch, and Gretta & Matt Rowold.