Elain Ward Steele

Elaine Ward Steele, 81, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Born in Bristol, Virginia, Elaine spent most of her life in Bluff City, Tennessee, where she became a well-known and cherished member of the community. She dedicated many years of service to local businesses, working at Hill's Department Store in Bristol before joining Hurt's Grocery in Bluff City, where she remained until its closure in the 1990s. She also served in the nurse's station at Bluff City Elementary School, where she enjoyed caring for and helping students.

Elaine was actively involved in her community and was a proud member of the Bluff City Rescue Squad Crewettes. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Bethel View Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hobert Virgil Ward Sr. and Nettie Rowena Virginia Brown Ward; her beloved husband of 48 years, Howard Wayne Steele; her brother, Frank Robinson and wife Carol; her half-sister, Patsy Stockton; her nephew, Jewel Shannon Ward; her sister-in-law, Charlotte Ward; and her great-granddaughter, Deven McClellan.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Dawn Golla and Tonya Davenport; her brother, Hobert "Junior" Ward and wife Joyce; her nephew, Rev. Dale Ward and wife Amy; her niece, Debbie Statzer and husband David; her grandson, Joshua Golla; her granddaughters, Courtney McClellan and husband Doby, and Sherica Presnell and husband Dylan; her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Presnell; and several other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Memorial Centers, 1221 Stewball Circle, Kingsport, TN, on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. Receiving of family and friends will start at 5:00 P.M.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.