Sharon Kay (Halbrook) Steelman

Sharon Kay (Halbrook) Steelman was born March 27, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the only child born to Johnie G. and Mae (Ferguson) Halbrook. Sharon grew up in Salem and graduated with the class of 1965 from Salem High School. Sharon was united in marriage March 4, 1967, to the love of her life, Larry Dee Steelman. They shared fifty-six years of marriage, laughter, and lasting memories together. Sharon and Larry were blessed with two children: J.D. and Tamara. Sharon furthered her education in Jefferson City obtaining her secretarial certificate. She was a legal secretary serving the Dent County community for forty-two years. Sharon retired in 2009 from the State of Missouri, 42nd Judicial Circuit. Sharon could often be found talking on the phone with her daughter Tamara, catching up on daily happenings at the Graham household in Columbia. She loved hearing all about her grandchildren and remembered every detail, including names of friends, school assignments, and schedules for all their activities. Sharon’s “Larry” would drive her to Columbia anytime to see Tamara, Scott, Taylor, Tanner, and Blake. Over the years she watched them play as many of their sporting events as she could. If she couldn’t watch in person, she watched online and became an avid user of Game Changer. She made them feel so cared for and loved every day. Sharon was fortunate enough to have J.D.’s family stay close to home, in Salem. This allowed her to see them frequently and attend her granddaughter Quincey’s multiple theater performances and volleyball games. She always looked forward to the many times J.D., Kristi, and Quincey would pop in for a visit. Quincey’s beautiful red hair and outgoing personality always brightened Sharon’s day. When Sharon was not doing something with her family, she could be caught with a cat on her lap, drinking coffee while reading a newspaper or current events on Google, with Elvis playing in the background. She also enjoyed shopping at various stores in Rolla and Columbia. Sharon’s “Larry” would patiently wait as she shopped, and he never complained about how much time or money she spent. After shopping, an absolute favorite, was to go out to eat with Larry. Sharon was sharp. She was detail oriented and precise in everything she did. As she grew older, she enjoyed completing crossword puzzles. Large print puzzles were her favorite. She claimed those puzzles would keep her mind sharp and apparently, they did because she didn’t forget anything. Sharon was a woman of strength and compassion. Faith, family, friendships, and animals were the most important things to her. Sharon was profoundly proud of her children, J.D. and Tamara. She loved her family dearly and would do anything and everything for her grandchildren. She will be forever known as “Nana”. Sharon entered eternal rest August 30, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Salem, Missouri, at the age of seventy-six years. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband: Larry Steelman of Salem, MO; son: J.D. Steelman and wife Kristi of Salem, MO; daughter: Tamara Graham and husband Scott of Columbia, MO; grandchildren: Quincey Steelman, and Taylor, Tanner, and Blake Graham; as well as a several cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, her parents: Johnie and Mae Halbrook; grandparents: Frank and Effie Halbrook and John and Addie Ferguson; three special aunts: Delsie (Halbrook) Sterner, Gladys (Halbrook) Arnett, and Nora (Ferguson) Miller. Sharon will be remembered for her kind, caring, and compassionate nature. Her legacy of love and devotion will live on with those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Sharon Kay (Halbrook) Steelman were held Saturday, September 2, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Richard Ware officiating and family memories were shared. Song selections played were “Goodbye’s”, “Don’t Be Cruel”, and “I’ll Remember You”. Serving as Pallbearers were Dennis White, Rick White, Kelly Parker, Eddie Wofford, Darrell Frits, and Casey Jadwin. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Sharon Steelman to the Dent County Animal Welfare Society (DCAWS) and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Sharon Kay (Halbrook) Steelman

March 27, 1947 - August 30, 2023