Mrs. Lawana Daves Steed, 91, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 19, 2019, surrounded by her loving family and faithful caregivers. Mrs. Steed battled a lengthy illness but never lost her quick wit and pleasant smile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Steed.
A funeral service will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald. The Rev. B.J. Funk will officiate the service and a special tribute will be given by the Honorable Robert W. “Bobby” Chasteen, Jr. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Steed was born in Brooklet, Georgia on December 30, 1927, to the late Theron E. & Gibsey Bland Daves. A 1944 graduate of Brooklet High School, she received recognition as a finalist in a national high school essay competition after winning the state essay contest. Mrs. Steed received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 from Georgia Teachers College, now known as Georgia Southern University, with dual majors in business education and home economics. She was selected to appear in the 1948 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” from Georgia Teachers College. After graduation, she joined the faculty of Fitzgerald High School teaching in the Business Department. She was married to Charles Earl Steed on July 29, 1949 and later joined the family business as co-owner of Steed Concrete Company. After retiring in 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Steed fulfilled a life-long dream by travelling the United States and abroad. She thoroughly enjoyed fishing the Florida Gulf from their home in Steinhatchee. Mrs. Steed was well known for her culinary skills and especially her love of fresh seafood. Mrs. Steed was a member of Central United Methodist Church with a faithful Christian service in the United Methodist Women for many years.
Survivors include her sons: Daves (Kathy) Steed of Macon and Tommy Steed of Dawsonville; grandsons: David (Lauren) Steed of Monroe and Eric (Morgan) Steed of Dahlonega; great-grandson, Jackson and great-granddaughter, Hannah. The family also wishes to gratefully acknowledge the dedicated service of caregivers: Minnie and Jennifer Shelton, Shelia and Shae Horne, Ricky Hill, Teresa Battle, Brittany Jackson, Sheena Wilcox, Essie Taylor, Deborah Witherspoon, and Connie Heggs.
The family suggests that those desiring to send memorial donations may send them to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.