Ted S. Steedman

Rev. Ted Scott Steedman, age 65, of Homewood, Alabama was ushered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on March 29, 2021. He was born February 5, 1956 in Birmingham, Alabama, the second son of the late Edmund Kelsey Steedman and Betty Thacker. On August 12, 1977, he was joined with Marcia Terry of Vestavia Hills, Alabama in holy matrimony.

Ted attended Elyton School and Indian Springs School before graduating from Ramsey High School. While in school he dreamed of being a pilot in the Air Force, but his poor eyesight kept him from flying. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Alabama for one year before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While at UAB, he was also a member of the Birmingham Fire Department, Engine 10, and eventually became the department chaplain.

While attending a lay witness mission he received his calling into ministry. He became a student pastor at West Haven United Methodist Church while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. After graduating in 1981, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree in 1984. He spent two years as an associate pastor before becoming an ordained elder in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church.

From 1984 until 1990, Ted pastored churches in North Alabama including West Haven (student), East Lake (associate), Shiloh, Ebenezer, St. Paul-Whitehall, Central Heights, and Wesley Chapel. In 1990, he took a medical leave of absence to seek treatment for severe migraines. After a year of utter boredom, he convinced his doctor to allow him to attend school. He returned to UAB where he obtained a second master’s degree in counseling, while pastoring the youth at his family church, 11th Avenue United Methodist. After completing his degree and gaining his doctor’s approval, he began working as a Family and Child Specialist in Therapeutic Foster Care with Gateway in 1995.

In 1996, weeks before his 40th birthday, he suffered a massive heart attack, which resulted in a thirty-five minute code and left him with no brain activity. His doctors said he medically had no chance of surviving off life support, but that he was young and strong, and they wanted to give him another day. God’s Army sprang into action, and Ted’s longtime friend and mentor, the Rev. Corky Bell, drove down from his church in Gatlinburg to pray healing over Ted. With the family gathered, Corky asked for anyone who did not believe 100% that Ted could be healed to leave the room; they joined hands and Corky began to pray. As he finished, Ted opened his eyes, squeezed Marcia and Corky’s hands and mouthed “Amen.”

This was just the beginning of Ted’s miraculous healing journey. Within six months, he was walking, driving, and back to his general pre-heart attack physical condition. However, the heart attack and anoxia caused permanent brain damage, and he was unable to continue actively pastoring, counseling, and teaching. Instead, he continued his life of service by volunteering with The Church at Ross Bridge and its predecessors Aldersgate United Methodist Church and 11th Avenue United Methodist Church, Camp Winnataska, the Boy Scouts, the Homewood High School Band and more.

Ted was known for his sharp mind, resilient spirit, deep faith, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Steedman, his daughter, Ashley Setters (Marc), his son, Scott Steedman (Rachell), his grandsons, Connor Bryant, Dylan Bryant, and Eli Steedman, his granddaughter, Allie Steedman, his brother, Ed Steedman (Liz), and his sister, Carol Spain (Ken Roberts). He will be missed by all who knew him, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he has gone before us to join his Father in heaven.

Arrangements for a memorial service will be made at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Steedman family.