Irene H. Steele, 97, of Morganton, NC, formerly of Swords Creek, VA, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Born November 27, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Burke Hale and Ella Reynolds Hale.
Irene worked for her sister at Cline’s BBQ in Morganton for many years. She then went to work for the Foster Grandparents Program for twenty-three years, earning two Foster Grandparents of the Year awards. The students and staff at North Liberty School will always remember “Grandmaw” for her love, help, and support of individuals with disabilities. She also worked at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, finally retiring at the age of 86.
Irene taught us to love God and family, make friends, work hard, and always help those less fortunate.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son and caregiver, J.B. Steele (Jackie); grandsons, Ryan Steele, Eddie Burks (Tina), and Joe Burks; great-grandsons, Colby Burks (Cheyenne), Blake Burks, and Teagan Burks; nieces, Diane Hennessee (Phil), and McKayla (Chelsea Howard); nephews, Richard Cline (Sandy), Nina Henry, and Mason Hennessee; and dear friends, Janice Collins (Roy) and Jerry Sharpe.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Tolley; second husband, Troy Steele; daughter, Barbara Burks (Danny); great-great-granddaughter, Presley Burks; sister, Dorothy Cline (Vernon); and brothers, Leonard and Sherman Hale.
Per Irene’s wishes, no services will be scheduled.
Memorial contributions may be made to Via Health Partners Hospice, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Via Health Partners of Cleveland County, especially Michelle, Tiffany, and Megan, for the excellent care they provided to Irene.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Irene was a wonderful Foster Grandparent to residents at JiRDC as well as students at North Liberty for many years. She was loved for her kind, caring , consistent ways. Irene also cared for her fellow Foster Grandparent volunteers, assisting them as they need extra help and support. She was definitely a person motivated by service and care for others. It was a blessing to know her and have her in the Foster Grandparent Program.
Irene was one of a kind. I'm so glad that I got to know her. I loved talking to Irene as she was full of knowledge and believed that right was right and wrong was wrong.. I'll truly miss you, Irene.
I loved working an getting to know Irene at North Libery she was a precious soul..❤️❤️❤️ Praying for all her family
