Winifred Steele

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Winifred (Winnie) Deloris Steele, a devoted wife and mother of 4 passed away peacefully holding the hands of her son Michael A Steele and daughter, Felicia (Lisa) Steele. Winifred was born on July 13, 1939, in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Fulton Jackson and Mamie Washington. Winifred was a stay-at-home mother in her youth, then served at Huling Children’s Home in Rantoul, Illinois. In her travels with her military husband, William (Bill) A Steele, she lived in many places. Winnie was a Certified Nurse Assistant in Perris, California and finally, everyone’s favorite bartender at the NCO Club on Chanute Air Force Base, until the base closed.

Winifred met the love her life, William A Steele in March of 1956 in DuSable high school in Chicago. They married on January 15, 1958. Together they raised three sons and one daughter.

Winfred was preceded in death by her parents Fulton and Mamie. Winnie lost her mother at the young age of 6 and missed her every day. Winnie is survived by her husband William, a retired Chief Master Sargent of the United States Air Force, her children, William A Steele (Aidee), Lawrence D Steele, her favorite, Michael A. Steele and daughter, Felicia (Lisa) Steele as well as, ten grandchildren, Jason Steele, April Steele, Brandon Steele, Whitney Steele, Cierra Steele, Tiana Steele, William Steele, Nayeli Steele, Lelani Steele and Vincent Steele. Winnie also has nine great grandchildren who survive her.

Winnie dedicated her life to her husband and children. She was a light in a dark room. If you ever met her, you know she was special. She was loved by many, a mother to more than her biological children, a confident and beautiful person. Winnie bragged on her children and often told the beautiful love story of finding her soulmate of 70 years. At the age of 15, she saw William across the way in school, said “Hi, I’m Winnie.” Introducing herself after telling her friend, “I’m gonna marry that man".

Winnie gave the greatest advice, rarely was wrong and had a strong sense of intuition. Winnie had a larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She would have the entire room laughing in tears when she told a story. She was the life of the party. In her presence, there was never a dull moment. Even in her last few moments of consciousness, she cracked jokes and told us who she would be haunting once she was no longer with us. Just before she passed, we asked her to send us some signs as we know though we can’t see her she will be around. Though we’ve only been without her for a few days, the mark she left on our hearts is huge. We miss her tremendously, already.

There will be a private memorial service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that loving friends and family donate to the charity of their choice.

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel 1551 E. Grove Avenue, Rantoul, Illinois 61866