Mary Bell Steelman

Mary Bell Bryant Steelman passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 in Atascocita, Texas. She was born on June 27, 1934 in Navasota, Texas to Stanley Newton Bryant and Ruby Grace Guess Bryant. Mary lived a life filled with love for her family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ray A. Steelman; daughter Carol Ann Steelman; parents Stanley and “Grace” Bryant, and sister Ruby Gertrude Bryant Davis.

Mary is survived by her sons Alvin Ray (Debra) Steelman; Ronnie Dean (Liz) Steelman; grandchildren Jennifer (Jedediah) Bone; Billy Ray (Melissa) Steelman; Justin (Suzanne) Steelman; Tammy Patton; Christie Cantrell; Kisha (Chris) Combs; Amanda (Joshua) Crawford; and great grandchildren Raylan, River, Corbin, Rylee, Zoe, Tyler, Max, Brittany, Lacy, Lance, Logan, Christina, Leila, Trinity, Tyler, Alex, Mason, Lilli, Alice, and Evelyn. Mary is also survived by the “only brother I ever had", Albert Stanley “Bubba” Bryant; nephew David (Annette) Steelman; many nieces and nephew (grands and greats), as well as the many friends she made throughout her life.

Mary, a cute little girl with curly auburn hair and an impish smile, was three years old when her parents divorced. The three Bryant children lived with their father in several places, including Houston and Hockley, Texas, and Hobbs, New Mexico. Mary remembers a difficult childhood where her older brother, Bubba, would dig through other people’s trash and “saved the best food just for” her. Mary was a strong woman with a mind of her own regardless of what was documented on the official birth certificate. Somewhere along the line, Mary dropped the “e” at the end of her middle name “Belle”. Her Momma said her birth date was June 26, while her Daddy said it was June 27. Mary chose and celebrated June 26 as her birthday. She was always every teacher’s favorite student, especially her third grade teacher who couldn’t resist her sweet and kind personality. Mary grew into a beautiful young woman and caught the eye of a young soldier, when Bubba brought his Army buddy home for a visit. The moment Ray Steelman saw Mary, he knew he would marry her. Together, they raised and watched their family grow for almost 70 blessed years.

Mary was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she first served as the Second Star Point, Ruth; and then as the Worthy Matron in the Buffalo Chapter No. 157, Order of the Eastern Star (OES), in Buffalo, Texas. She was most proud of her membership in the OES; her big brother (the only one she ever had), Albert/Bubba; and her son Alvin as he became a Police Officer. A few years after Alvin became a Police Officer, he was assigned to the neighborhood where he grew up and where Mary and Ray still lived. While on patrol one day, Alvin noticed his mother and her friend Miss Nichols driving in front of him. He decided to follow them, siren blaring and lights flashing. Alvin arrived at the car door to see Mary frantically digging in her purse and Miss Nichols going through the glove compartment. Alvin’s loud “HELLO! HEY!" was initially ignored by Mary, until she finally looked up, saw Alvin and exclaimed, “ SON! You scared us!”

Mary and Ray enjoyed many adventures together, including traveling on Ray’s motorcycle. Mary loved her two little dogs and her pet chickens. She also loved fried chicken, but really, she loved the crust the most. Mary loved all flowers and being in her garden. She especially enjoyed PayDay candy bars, cookies, and donuts. Mary would gladly share any of them, even if it was the bite. She was efficient at documenting information on the back and front of photographs, and even on gifts. She treasured and appreciated any gift and knew exactly who gave her even the smallest of gifts. Her favorite color was light blue, the color of the sky blue.

After Ray’s passing, Mary moved from Buffalo into a home Alvin and Debra built for her on property next to their own home. After several years in her Huffman home, Mary moved to Rosemont Assisted Living for further care. Mary truly loved all her grandchildren and would light up when they walked into her room.

Her grands and great grands of all ages and stages were her greatest blessings. All Mary ever wanted was to hear her mother say “I love you”. She never heard those words. Mary vowed she would tell her own children and family, “I love you,” every chance she was given. With every phone call, every encounter, or every written letter, Mary told her children, her children’s children, her family, her friends, “I love you,” and she meant it from deep within her heart.

We would like to thank Rosemont Senior Living, especially Hiawatha, Director of Memory Care, and her staff for the love and care given to our Mom in the last years of her life. Special thanks to the members of the Huffman Chapter #1112 Order of the Eastern Star in Huffman, Texas and the members of the Humble Chapter #415 Order of the Easter Star in Humble, Texas for their participation in the funeral service honoring our Mom.

We miss you already, Mary Bell Bryant Steelman, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We love you. Always.

A visitation will be held at Brookside Funeral Home, located at 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, on February 7, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. A graveside service will take place at Brookside Memorial Park, also at 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Pallbearers will be Billy Steelman, Jimmy Fowler, Jed Bone, Lance Cantrell, Charles Dodson, and David Steelman.