February 14, 2008 12:47 pm
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Dr. Amelia Steelman
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —The final chapter in the earthly life of Dr. Amelia Rose Steelman, of Little Rock, Ark., was penned Feb. 7, 2008. Reminiscent of her entire life, that chapter was filled with grace, compassion, and quiet perseverance.
A retired professor of early childhood education and a lifelong student, she was born Dec. 1, 1928, in Dierks, Ark. Rose earned her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State Teachers College, then went on to earn both a master’s in education and a doctorate in early childhood education at East Texas State University. She then returned to UCA, where she was a professor of early childhood education until her retirement. Her influence will be felt for many years to come as generations of children are challenged and encouraged by teachers who were inspired by her passion for excellence in education.
Rose cherished traveling with her sister, Katrina, and time spent with her family. She enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and relaxing with her children and grandchildren on Lake Ouachita and she always looked forward to an annual Mother’s Day float trip on the Buffalo River.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. B. J. “Bob” Steelman; her father, Henry A. Sykes; her mother, Kittye May Lewis-Sykes and brother Henry Sykes Jr.
She is survived by a sister, Katrina Williams of Hot Springs, Ark.; daughter Joy Pensinger and husband Jim of Hot Springs, Ark.; daughter Kaye Coachman and husband Frank of Salado; son Mike Steelman and wife Fawnda of Little Rock, Ark.; daughter Lisa McGuyer and husband Monty of Commerce; son David Steelman and wife Susan of Conway; grandchildren Tacey Crum of Mesquite, Heather Lopez of Houston, Mary Frances Sellen of Chicago, Ill., Jesse Steelman and Carli Steelman of Little Rock, Ark., Lance McGuyer, Josh McGuyer, and Emily Rose McGuyer of Commerce and Summer Steelman of Conway; and great-grandchildren Zane Worsencroft of Florida; Kayla Trammel of Mesquite and Noah Lopez and Gabriella Rose Lopez of Houston.
A memorial service was held at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 10, 2008, at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, with Rev. Daniel Kirkpatrick officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Library at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211.
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home of Little Rock, Ark., was in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
Alice Holmes
Alice Juanita Ragsdale Holmes of Commerce died Feb. 7, 2008, in Tyler. A graveside service was scheduled at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sonora Cemetery in the Fairlie Community with Brother Charles Strickland officiating under the direction of .Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home.
Daughter of George Allen and Bessie Clyde Melson Ragsdale, she was born April 29, 1930, in Weatherford. She was married to Orville Howard Holmes, and she was a Baptist.
Survivors include daughters Alice Cross and husband Johnny of Commerce, Norma Heyer and husband Ralph, Judy Nouri and husband Abdul of Mineral Wells and Julie Pierce of Commerce; a son, Kenneth Horn of Wolfe City; a sister, Lila Priscilla Mayhue of Boyd; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and a brother, Billy Dean Ragsdale.
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