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March 28, 2024

Mary Helen Barnes Steele

Mary Helen Barnes Steele

Mary Helen Barnes Steele, 83, of Hickory, passed away November 26, 2018 at her residence.

Born December 25, 1934, in Stony Point, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Mary Stikeleather Barnes.

Helen and her siblings, were raised and graduates of the Barium Springs Presbyterian Orphanage, where she excelled in basketball. She was always remembered for her 50 point score in a tournament game. At all the Barium Reunions, this was a topic.

She retired from Vanguard Furniture. Helen and Bob had many adventures across many states and made friends through riding motorcycles over the years. She also enjoyed music, singing, UNC basketball, and spending time with family and her many grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Hilda Whitening Reid, and a brother, Paul Curlee Barnes.

Helen is survived by her husband, Robert Glenn “Bob” Steele; five daughters, Olivia Steele Raby and husband Gene of Alpharetta, Georgia, Patrice Steele Fox of Morganton, Bobbie Steele Barr and husband Kenneth of Bethlehem, Angelia Steele, and Michelle Steele Tharp of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandchildren, Phillip Ray, Andrew Lee Fox, Crystal Mariea Lor, Victoria Scott, Robbie Dale Little, Dustin Steele Hendren, Stevie Hendren Robertson, Cody Barr, Jamie Stevenson, Jesse Fox, and Mattie Michelle Tharp; 15 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Marissa, Kinsley, Norah, Silas, Raylan, Willa, Tucker, Coren, Ella Joy, Aria, Charles, Hunter, Cora, Noah, and expecting three more in 2019.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Bass-Smith Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Bass-Smith is serving the family of Mary Helen Barnes Steele and on-line condolences may be sent to www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.

1 Comment

  1. Danny R. Stikeleather & Ginny And Danny Ray (Son) on December 1, 2018 at 7:14 am

    Sorry to hear of Helen`s passing. I saw You (Bob & Helen) at the Stike- reunion this past August, but ;didn`t get to you to talk. Still remember as a child running around in the yard (Ray & Rachel`s homeplace) of seeing you– Bob coming out Midway road and up hwy 90 when You & Helen were living over next to Wade and Lucy off Midway Rd. You would always through up your hand to speak! Guess it`s the little things we remember that creates a bond. I`m sure you have many with Helen and the family as well. She will be missed! Blessings– Danny & Ginny

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