Joe Ann Steele

ADRIAN – Joe Ann Steele, age 73, of Adrian, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016 at her home. She was born February 26, 1943, in Guin, Alabama. She was the daughter of Gifford and Martha (Evans) Draper. Joe Ann graduated from Adrian High School with the Class of 1960. On January 27, 1961, she married the love of her life, Harry B. Steele Jr. in Angola, Indiana. He preceded her in death in 1996, having shared 35 years together. They created a beautiful life together and were the epitome of true love. In 1989, Joe Ann and her husband Harry created the Joe Ann Steele Insurance Center. Because of her deep love, affection and dedication to her clients and our community, Joe Ann became one of the most successful entrepreneurial small business women in Downtown Adrian. She accredited her success to the people of Lenawee County. Joe Ann has received numerous awards for her many accomplishments, including the Athena Award, the Amelia Earhart Award, and the Better Business Bureau’s Business in Ethics Award, to mention a few. Joe Ann was a familiar voice with her radio shows on WABJ and WLEN, promoting local businesses and community events. Joe Ann had a deep passion for helping anyone and everyone who crossed her path. She was a mentor to many individuals and businesses. Her greatest joy was to see people succeed in business and in life. Joe Ann was a strong believer in the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto to you. Joe Ann will be sadly missed by all. She was a true inspiration to all who knew her. She is survived by her three children: Rusty (Robin) Steele, Dusty (Lisa Lambright) Steele, and Susan (Ben Powell) Steele all of Adrian; her siblings: Cathy (Vance) Roden of Georgia and Hyman Draper of Adrian; grandchildren: Fallon Bull, Alexandra Steele, Jonathan Steele, Sydney Steele, Drake Lambright and April Wolf; great grandson, Jett Herriman; cousin, Wilburn (Doris) Gann; and her beloved dog, Bella Sophia. A Celebration of Joe Ann’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Wagley Funeral Home with Pastor Olivia Nickelson officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Joe Ann should consider the Lenawee Humane Society or the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Joe Ann Steele

February 26, 1943 - July 24, 2016