Shirley Ellis Steppes, 84, of Newport News, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 30, 2020, at home, holding the hands of her two beloved daughters.
She was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, to Leroy Ellis and Beulah Wainwright Ellis Craighead. She had been a Peninsula resident since 1957.
Shirley was loved by many for her sweet and kind disposition. She loved to dance and travel. She was CFO for over 25 years at Ward Pontiac. She also worked as a CFO at various other local dealerships. Shirley was a longtime member of Warwick Women of the Moose. She was a member of Hilton Baptist Church and also attended Faith Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Beulah; stepfather, William Craighead; and brother, R.J. Ellis. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, John Steppes; and longtime companion, Thomas Koerber.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory daughters, Vickie Leonard and Donna Spence, both of Newport News; grandchildren, Michelle (Jesse) Johnson, Anthony (Holly) Leonard and Thomas (Holly) Spence; great-grandchildren, Christian Johnson, Faith and Ava Leonard and Hannah, Thomas and Noah Spence; bonus great-grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Saylor and Dylon Allison; and many extended family and friends.
Due to COVID-19, there will not be a memorial service. There was a private graveside service held at Peninsula Memorial Park.
The family requests no flowers. If you wish, please send a card in care of Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.
Share online condolences with the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
