Evelyn Gayle Steele

Born on January 4, 1938, Gayle lived a life rooted in love, faith, and family. She found joy in the simple things, working in her garden, sending visitors home with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, or chicken eggs, and crocheting special works of art for her grandchildren. She was always ready to lend a hand in the kitchen, sit and share a glass of champagne, or talk about her latest embroidery project from the shop she loved.

Gayle enjoyed Bingo, vacations with her family, and time spent with her kitty, Bella. She had a strong and steady faith in God, and an even stronger presence in the lives of those around her. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she never missed a chance to show her love through care, service, and a quiet, comforting presence.

Gayle is survived by her brother, Jerry Esmond; her sons, Ronald Bartee and his wife Rosey, and Terry Bartee and his partner Debbie; her grandchildren Michelle, Ronald (wife Hillary), Jeffrey (wife Mindi), Ashlee (husband Eric), Amber (husband Terry), and Weslee; and her great-grandchildren Parker, Jace, Charli, Tate, Tripp, Judy, Magnolia, Scarlett, and Lottie. She is also survived by many more great grandchildren family and loved friends.

Gayle is preceded in death by her husband Bob Steele, son Jerry Bartee, mother Ada Forgey, and brother Edward Manning Jr.

A graveside service will be held at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston, TX on August 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM, with arrangements handled by Brookside Funeral Home.

Gayle would not want us to be lost in our sorrow. She would want us to look for her in the little things, the first tomato on the vine, the sound of laughter at a family dinner, the feeling of yarn between your fingers, or a perfectly folded towel.

Gayle left this world wrapped in the same love she gave so freely, and we will carry it with us, always.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13

While her voice is now quiet, her presence will never fade. It lives on in the hearts of her family, in the lessons she taught, and in the love she gave so freely.

The family wishes to thank the care team and all those who shared in her life and final days. In her honor, plant something beautiful, play a game of Bingo, or take time to show someone the same kind of love she always gave.