Cora A. Steele

September 14, 1921 - December 22, 2017

Cora Parsons Steele, 96, passed from this temporary earthly home to her eternal home in heaven on December 22, 2017. Cora was born September 14, 1921 in Hollybrook, VA. She was the daughter of Andrew and Mae Day Parsons. While working at the Radford Army arsenal she met and married her husband Roy Cutter Steele. Cora was an extraordinary woman. She grew up in tough times but managed to always be full of love and compassion. She was a wonderful wife, an exceptional mother, a grandmother (MawMaw) that children dream of having and a beloved great grandmother. Cora loved God, her country, and her family. She enjoyed telling stories, being visited by her many nieces, nephews and cousins, watching FOX News, helping others, and playing cards. She lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Material possessions never were a focus for her. She was a selfless woman who would help out anyone, however she could. Her positive attitude and the helping of others were traits she put forth for all to see. Church was an important part of her life. She was a dedicated Christian who took pleasure in being involved and giving back to others in any way possible. She was a charter member of the Maple View Church of Christ. While all programs and church service aspects were important to her, two were her favorites. One was the ladies Bible class which she attended faithfully. The other was the visits her church circle made on a regular basis to the Veteran's hospital in Beckley, WV. She loved talking with the veterans, playing bingo, bringing them food, and other necessities. She loved her country, and always proudly displayed that support for all to witness. A part of this comes from her background as a "Rosie the Riveter" during the WW II conflict. Cora worked with the assembling of aircraft at the Bellanca aircraft corporation in Delaware. She was proud of her "Rosie" display, which still resides, in the Princeton WV War Museum, and of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph article which was published in the Prerogative magazine. Cora's family is extremely grateful for all the care givers who so diligently looked after her, and supplied the love and care she needed. Also, a special word of thanks to Dr. Nancy Lohius and her staff for always being there when Cora needed them. We are so very lucky to have had Cora in our lives for so long, but going on without her will be a tremendous task. She will be remembered for generations to come and her faith and values have been imprinted on our hearts. In addition to her parents Cora was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Cutter Steele, daughter Nora Rolanda Lawson, granddaughter, Jane Lawson, seven brothers and four sisters. Cora is survived by her daughters, Pamela King, and husband Wayne King of Roanoke, VA., Deborah Burton and husband Danny Burton of Princeton, WV. Her grandkids and great grandkids were very special her. They are; Grandsons; Kris King of Roanoke, VA, Andy Burton (Michelle) of Millstadt, IL, Granddaughters; Dana Burton Strote(Ken)of Johnsburg, IL, Ashleigh Burton Fields (Marshall) of St. Albans, WV. Great granddaughters Casey Strote, Riley Burton, and Scarlett Fields. Great grandsons Noah Strote and Ethan Burton. Funeral services will be Wednesday December 27, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Maple View Church of Christ with Minister Tony Reed Officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 12 noon until the service hour. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to Maple View Church of Christ, 194 Robin Nest Rd. Bluefield, WV 24701, or the Veterans Hospital, 200 Veterans Ave, Beckley, WV. 25801 Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com Mercer Funeral Home of Bluefield is serving the Steele family.