It is with great sadness but much hope that we announce the peaceful passing of Donna Jean Steidel on Sunday, April 26, 2026. During her journey of 83 years Jean touched many lives with her faith, humor, and genuine kindness. Her life will be an inspiration to those of us who knew her well.

Jean was born on December 8, 1942, in Hamilton County, OH, the fourth child of William and Edna Hamman Steidel. She attended St. Bernard elementary and high schools and graduated in 1960 with a business diploma. She lived at home after graduating until she left to attend college in North Carolina. She was baptized at age sixteen at Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Bernard, OH, by Pastor Bob Kelly, who encouraged her to apply to Warren Wilson College.

Jean was dedicated to her family and friends and was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Janet Steidel Wheeler, her sister Judi Steidel Steinke, and her brother Gerald (Jerry) William Steidel. She is survived by her sister, Margie Steidel Jones, her nieces Brenda Steinke Vick (James) and Cathy Steinke Lawhorn (Jeffrey), her dear friend Robyn Ervin, as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Jean received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Warren Wilson College in Swananoa, NC, and her Master of Science in elementary education from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. She taught first grade for Winchester Public Schools for thirty-four years at John Kerr Elementary School from 1970 until she retired in 2004. She was skilled in her profession and was much loved by her colleagues, her students, and parents as well.

Jean became a member of Opequon Presbyterian church in Winchester in 2000 and served there on many church committees as well as on session as an ordained elder with Pastor David Witt. After she retired, Jean took extended studies and became a Commissioned Ruling Elder, or lay pastor, in the Presbyterian Church USA. During her time of service she pastored at Nineveh Presbyterian Church in Front Royal, VA, at Sherando Presbyterian Church in Stephens City, VA, and most recently at Buckton Presbyterian Church in Front Royal, VA, as well as filling the pulpits at numerous small area churches.

In 2018 Jean fulfilled her lifelong wish of living at the beach by moving with her long-time friend, Robyn Ervin, to Swansboro, NC, where she enjoyed everything about shore life. She was especially thrilled to discover a church home nearby, Cape Carteret Presbyterian, with a wonderful pastor, Ben Burrrows, and a whole new church family. Jean will be greatly missed by friends and loved ones.  All are invited to a celebration of life service to be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church as well as in Winchester, VA, at Opequon Presbyterian Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Jean's memory with contributions to Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church, 100 Yaupon Drive, Cape Carteret, NC, 28584, capecarteretpres@gmail.com,

designated for HOPE Caregivers Group.