Claudia Bolin Steadman

Claudia B. Steadman, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026. Born on January 24, 1936, in Hebbardsville, Ohio, Claudia was the cherished first child and daughter of the late Eldon and Vera Bolin. Three years later, her beloved brother Phillip joined the family.

Claudia's early years showcased her remarkable musical talents. She graced the marching band with her alto saxophone and captivated audiences with classical piano recitals. After graduating from Athens High School in the spring of 1954, she began an exciting career at WATH, the local Athens radio station. There, she became the heart of the operation: receptionist, traffic coordinator, ad writer, and secretary to the station's general manager. She was truly a one-woman show, and she thrived in every role.

It was at WATH where Claudia met her future husband, Dennis Steadman, who later in his successful radio career would become known as Lee Sherwood. He was the station's disc jockey; she was everything else that kept the station running. Their love led to marriage and the birth of their daughter, Stacy.

When Dennis received an exciting opportunity to work at the legendary WQAM in Miami—560 on your radio dial—the timing couldn't have been better. With Claudia's parents already settled in Fort Lauderdale, the young family embraced their Florida adventure with open arms.

Years later, as Stacy entered her senior year of high school, Claudia returned to the workforce with characteristic enthusiasm. She began as a greeter at a local bank, but her talent and dedication quickly propelled her through various positions until she became a commercial construction loan officer for SunTrust, now known as Truist.

Claudia possessed a rare and beautiful gift: the ability to touch lives profoundly and permanently. Vivacious, beautiful, artistic, charming, caring, and extraordinarily generous, she created bonds that time could never break. Her daughter's friends often called Claudia first when they needed guidance or comfort. Colleagues, friends, and even the caregivers who assisted the family in later years all expressed the same sentiment—they viewed her as a mother. The magic of Claudia's spirit created lifelong connections with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Claudia leaves behind a loving family who will treasure her memory always: her daughter Stacy, son-in-law Mike, grandson Justin and his wife Aryel, two precious great-grandsons, Keegan and Oliver and her beloved niece, Jennifer.