Shirley Ann Blackwell Steele

Shirley Ann Blackwell Steele was born December 29, 1952, to the union of the late Rev. Thomas Henry Blackwell and Juanita Hartfield Blackwell. Shirley passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Shirley was a lifelong member of Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, MS. She accepted Christ in her life on September 2, 1971, at Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member. She also served as an usher and the church cook for many years. Shirley attended Perry County Attendance Center in Beaumont, MS, where she ran track and was an excellent student and avid reader.

Shirley had an infectious laugh and had a way of getting the last word in (smile). She was a very loving person who would help you out any way she could. She often visited many loved ones and friends in the hospital, at their home, to help do whatever they needed. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s sporting events and usually was the loudest one there and giving the referees much trouble (smile). She loved to bake and cook. She had an entrepreneurial spirit. She even started her own business called Sweet Thangs. She was a hard worker.

In Shirley’s early childhood while living in Little Creek, MS she often spent time with her cousin and best friend Margaret Dantzler. Their bond continued into adulthood.

Shirley spent time in Chicago, IL and lived in California for about 10 years, before moving back to Mississippi.

She met Maxie Steele later in life and they married in 1999.

Shirley was employed at Dismas Charities and worked her way up to Kitchen Manager until she retired. 

She was the mother of two sons. She loved dearly and would move mountains for them. She loved her family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews. Shirley will be greatly missed.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents Rev. Thomas Henry Blackwell and Juanita Hartfield Blackwell, her husband Maxie Steele, two brothers, James Carter, Tom Blackwell, two sisters Smyrna Holmes McSwain, and Rachel Blackwell Dixon.

Shirley is survived by two sons Derek (Anishka) Blackwell of Olive Branch, MS, Micah Emory Blackwell of Hattiesburg, MS; three siblings Mary Williams of Little Creek, MS, Patsy (Larry) Bolton of Little Creek, MS, and Emma Lee (Billy Ray) Benn of Runnelstown, MS; six grandchildren Jasmine (Buddy) Newton of Louisville Kentucky, Chele’ (Dan) Albright of Raleigh Duram, NC, Jordan Blackwell and Sydney Blackwell of Starkville MS, Josiah and Simone Blackwell of Olive Branch, MS, three great grandchildren, Kayla Newton and Elijah Newton of Louisville, Kentucky, and Ebony Rose Albright of Raleigh, NC, her best friend Margaret Dantzler of Beaumont, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.