Barbara Jane Schumacher Steele

The family of Barbara Jane Schumacher Steele is heartbroken to announce her passing on December 29, 2024, in Marietta, Georgia. Barbara was born on October 31, 1946, in Augusta, Georgia, to Albert W. Schumacher and Mary Jane N. Schumacher. She is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, Thomas H. Steele, and her children, Beth Steele Okraski (Joe) and Grayson H. Steele. She also cherished her grandchildren, Anna Kate Okraski and Caroline Okraski, as well as her brother, John N. Schumacher. Barb's initial encounter with Tom occurred at the University of Florida during a blind date at a fraternity gathering in 1964. Both graduated in 1967 and subsequently married in February 1968. Throughout Tom's career, they were afforded the opportunity to reside in various locations, including the Philippines, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, and East Lansing, Michigan. Ultimately, they settled home in Marietta, Georgia, where they enjoyed 44 remarkable years together. Barb was a dedicated and talented elementary school teacher who devoted 28 years of her career primarily teaching fourth grade. She took great pride in nurturing a love for all her students, with her time spent reading novels being among the most rewarding aspects of her teaching day. Barb was a longtime congregant of First Presbyterian Church in Marietta where she was a devoted member of The Kirk Ringers and Chancel Choir. Her love of sacred music began in First Baptist of Augusta’s youth choirs where she sang and rang bells. She remembers fondly her time at music camps and choir tours. That love of the choir continued through her entire adult life. This last Christmas was the first Christmas in over 50 years where she did not sing on Christmas Eve. Barb’s vocation may have been education, but her avocation was sacred music. Barb and Tom were a dynamic duo. Their marriage of almost 57 years is an example to all who knew them what a loving, life lasting love they had for one another. They traveled extensively all over the world during their retirement. Her family also knew her as a devoted and enthusiastically proud mother and grandmother. She was an amazing cook making holiday dinners memorable and special. Being with her children and grandchildren at home or at their events brought her extreme joy. She adored her “Grandgirls”. She was her family’s greatest cheerleader. Barb will be sorely missed by so many and especially her family and music family. We give thanks for her energy, devotion, and love. We love her so very much. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday January 9th, at 2 PM at First Presbyterian Church Marietta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Food Ministry, Pantry on Church. https://fpcmarietta.org/give/

Barbara Jane Schumacher Steele

October 31, 1946 - December 29, 2024