Georgine Gale Steinmiller

Georgine Gale Steinmiller (Aronson), PhD, Professor Emeritus of Special Education at Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, found peace and left this world with dignity and honor. She left behind a profound positive impact on all those she met and cared for, and she will never be forgotten. She passed away on October 1, 2024 at UTSW hospital in Dallas, Texas and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives for eternity.

Georgine is survived by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Steinmiller, PhD of Coppell, TX; sons Eric (Jaclyn) Steinmiller of Chicago, IL and Brian (Ellen) Steinmiller of Coppell, TX; brother Wayne (Ely) Aronson Ingleside, IL; sister Carlene (Tom) Otis, Gladstone, MI; grandchildren Alex and Emily Steinmiller of Coppell, TX.

Georgine's professional legacy is one of profound impact and lasting change. Her strong advocacy for special needs populations earned her the respect of professionals, students, and families alike. A person of integrity, strength, and caring, she was a foundational change agent who challenged established systems and supported learning systems for local, state, and national programs. Her influence extended to her roles in promoting programs such as AEGIS, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), and her leadership in organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the President of Arkansas Teacher Educators (ATE). Her impact continues through her students, many of whom are now professionals in the field of education.

Georgine was born in Chicago, IL in 1948 to Arthur and Ruth Aronson and was raised in Wheeling, IL. She graduated from Wheeling High School (’66), and then Carthage College, receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Sociology within three years in 1970. Georgine began her teaching career with an emphasis on supporting diverse learners as she also embarked on her master’s degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University, graduating in 1973. As she continued to support students with the highest needs, she also started her next academic journey at University of Iowa where she graduated with a doctorate in Special Education in 1985.

When Georgine was 18 years old at Carthage College, she called a dorm to give cookies from her mom to thank “Bob” for serenading the freshmen dorm. However, it was Bob Steinmiller who answered the call, even though his roommate was also named Bob. At this moment, a lifelong relationship of love and support started between Bob Steinmiller and Georgine. Their wedding was conducted on January 31, 1970, at 6:00 pm; however, Georgine did things in her own time, and they were married after 7:00 pm. This started a trend of Georgine having to set her watch forward 10 minutes.

After their doctorates, Georgine and Bob moved south, away from the cold, to start their careers in higher education at Arkansas College in Batesville, Arkansas. In 1987, Georgine was called to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to reinvigorate their education program at a critical juncture in accreditation. Georgine was instrumental in impacting students' and adults' lives through a calling to challenge established inequitable structures and provide access to learning for all students at state and national levels until her retirement in 2013. At that point, Georgine and Bob focused on cruising the world and spending time with family and friends.

Georgine's capacity to change the world was matched only by her commitment to her family. She loved Bob with every ounce of her being and dedicated herself to ensuring her sons, Eric and Brian, could be the best versions of themselves. She took immense pride in their achievements, supporting them as they each achieved Eagle Scout rank in BSA, pursued various athletic goals, and academic pursuits. Both of their sons followed their parents’ examples of excellence as they pursued higher education in their respective fields.

Georgine embodied all that it means to be a lifelong learner and to never end the pursuit of making sense of what is not understood. Her fervor for excellence in all aspects of life can never be challenged. She was a champion. In 2004, when cancer impacted her for the first time, she faced it with all the conviction she held herself to throughout her life. She did so and was victorious. She returned to teaching immediately and maintained a charge to live life fully and love her family endlessly. When the bell began to quietly toll, she left this world in pure Georgine fashion, surrounded by those who loved her dearly. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Georgine’s extraordinary life on Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:00 pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX, 75019. Streaming and archive viewing are available through: https://vimeo.com/event/4645509

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Drs. Georgine and Robert Steinmiller Endowment” scholarship fund at Carthage College (https://www.carthage.edu/giving/give-today/). This fund was established by Georgine and Bob to support students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their academic and personal pursuits. In the support box, check Student Scholarships, then check the box that says I would like to dedicate this gift to . . .)

The Final Charge: “Be a part of the world, be kind and care about people” - Dr. Georgine Steinmiller