Steve Ballard, was born to the late Jack Elijah and Elmer Cooper Ballard in Tunica County in Mississippi on January 19, 1943. Steve was preceded in death by his son, Steve Marcelle; and his siblings, Mamie Lee Cooper, Lorraine Ballard Drew, Dorothy Lee Ballard Norfleet, Jack Ballard Jr., Elnora Ballard McClary, Bobbie Jean Ballard Richardson, and Pauline Ballard.
He confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at his family home church Friendship Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He became a member of Gethsemane Garden Church of God in Christ where he later became an Ordained Elder. Through the leading of God, he assisted in establishing the birth of Christian Vision Center Ministries, Inc. where he later became the Senior Pastor after the death of Pastor Velton Rogers.
Steve graduated from Douglass High School Class of 1960. For over 60 years he was joined in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Mona Joy Brownlee on August 26, 1963. This union brought forth two children, Crystal and Steve “Marcelle”.
As a professional, Steve was employed with Kellogg’s Company where he retired with over 30 years of service in 1996. Along with his full time position, he used his skills in his spare time doing landscape, carpentry, and other various jobs.
God called Steve home to rest from his labor on January 24, 2023 at 2:51 PM at Methodist South Hospital. He obeyed the will of God and bid his earthly life farewell.
His life and memory will be cherished by his devoted wife; his daughter, Crystal Ballard Wilson; grandchildren, Christin Monae Ballard Wilson and Reginald Steven Wilson; seven sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jean White (Jack) Ballard, Morylan Bernard (Elijah), Mary Lee Brownlee (Thomas, Jr.), Mary Louise Brownlee (Harold) (both deceased), Dorothy Brownlee (Bruce), Forestyne Leonard (Willie), Janith Burress (deceased)(Willie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.
A wake will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. A second visitation will occur on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM with the homegoing and funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM, also at Memphis Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road, Memphis, TN 38134.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Ballard family.
