Kathleen Varnadoe Steedly
Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home
Mrs. Kathleen Varnadoe Steedly, wife of the late Wendell M. Steedly, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2020 at her home in Ruffin, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.
Mrs. Steedly was born in Charleston March 13, 1932 a daughter of the late Melvin S. and Viola Louise Morris Varnadoe. She was a 1950 graduate of Walterboro High School, and maintained a close relationship with her classmates throughout the years. After graduating nursing school in Orangeburg, she began her career at the army air base hospital in Walterboro. Kathleen later became employed at Oakwood Nursing Home, and for 31 years, she served as the Activities Director. She possessed a smiling face and a loving demeanor that was a comfort to all of the residents and their families.
Mrs. Steedly was a devoted Christian, and was an active member of Doctor’s Creek Baptist Church for her entire adult life. She had a passion for missions, and was heavily involved with the activities of the Women’s Mission Union (WMU). She and her late husband were active in the Gideons International, and she was an auxillary member. She had received recognition on the state level for her service, and she and Wendell were blessed through the fellowship they received from the weekly prayer breakfasts held at Shoney’s Restaurant.
Kathleen was involved in her community, and was an advocate and proponent for the right of every citizen to exercise their right to vote. She was an excellent Southern Cook, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. At the time of her husband’s passing in 2014, they had been happily married for 62 years.
Mrs. Steedly is survived by her children: Melvin Steedly (Jan) of Hudson, OH, John David “J.D.” Steedly (Bonnie) of Moncks Corner, Kathleen “Kathy” Nettles of Ruffin, and Tami Warren (Guy) of Daniel Island. There are eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Robert L. Thomas, to Agape Care, and to all the team members and caregivers for their devotion and attention during Mrs. Steedly’s illness and passing.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2020 at 2:00 at Doctor’s Creek Baptist Church in Walterboro, with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to any of the following: The Gideons International, The Doctor’s Creek Baptist Church WMU Missions, or The American Heart Association. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro, is in charge of arrangements.
