Virginia Wilson Steele

Virginia Wilson Steele was born on February 24, 1943 in Gosport, Alabama, to very proud parents, Dennie and Elsie Wilson. While growing up in Mobile, she attended A.F. Owens Elementary School and Dunbar Junior High School. In 1960, Virginia graduated from Central High School in Mobile, AL. After high school, she attended the Mobile Branch of Alabama State College (currently Bishop State Community College) for two years. Virginia then went on the earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alabama State University in 1964. After college, Virginia taught at Chilton County Training School in Clanton, AL, and Davidson High School, and Nelson Adams High School in Mobile, AL. 

On July 2, 1969, Virginia married Rollie Dee Steele. To this union two children were born; Rollie Demetrius Steele and Rodney Demond Steele. The couple moved to Carol Stream, IL in 1970 and later to Glendale Heights, IL. After beginning her life in Illinois, Virginia went on to earn her Master’s in Education at Lewis University in Oakbrook, IL. 

Virginia taught at Morton Upper Grade Center in Chicago, and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Teaching was Virginia’s calling. She was kind and patient with her students and believed in the opportunities created by education. Virginia was also an excellent proofreader. 

Virginia was notably involved in the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., serving as financial secretary and treasurer of the chapter. She enjoyed working on the Minerva Educational Scholarship Committee for many years. Virginia was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a Life Member of the NAACP working in the DuPage County Branch. 

In 2019, Virginia celebrated the 40th Church Anniversary of DuPage AME Church, where she and Rollie were charter members. Virginia was a founding and active member of the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society. She was very instrumental in the tutoring program as well as other community outreach initiatives through the WMS and was stolled as a Torchlighter. Over the years, Virginia served in many other ministries and auxiliaries of the church including the finance team. 

On January 3, 2021, at 4:55 p.m., Virginia transitioned peacefully to her new home. Awaiting her were those who preceded her in death: her parents, Dennie and Elsie Wilson; two sisters, Yvonne Wilson and Ann Pauline Wilson; her sister-in-law, Earline Steele; and her brother-in-law, James Steele. 

Virginia leaves to honor her memory, her devoted and thoughtful husband of 51 years, Rollie Dee Steele; two children; Rollie Demetrius Steele and his wife Tasha Jones Steele of Mobile, AL, and Rodney Demond Steele of Naperville, IL; her two cherished granddaughters, Genevieve Rose Jones Steele (7) and Sylvanie Rose Jones Steele (6) of Mobile, AL; her sister, Delores Wiley of Mobile, AL; her two brothers, Elvin Wilson and his wife Sandrell of Chicago, IL, and Zander Wilson and his wife Bettye of Mobile, AL; her two brothers-in-law, Robert Steele and his wife Jean of Honolulu, HI, and William Steele of Montgomery, AL; her sister-in-law Jacqueline Davis of Mobile, AL, and a loving and supportive host of nieces, nephews, friends and sorors.

Virginia Wilson Steele’s burial will take place on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Serenity Memorial Prayer Garden (8951 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, AL) Friends and family are welcomed to attend.

To view the Recorded Livestream Funeral Service, please click on the link: 

https://youtu.be/ozw3GV26pTs

Photo Montage: https://youtu.be/eByRJNDwrVY

In lieu of flowers, the very grateful family requests donations to the DuPage AME Church Scholarship Program. 

DuPage AME Church 

4300 Yackley Avenue 

Lisle, IL 60532 

www.DuPageAMEC.org