JoAnn Steel (Byers), 82, of Ocala, Florida was born in Youngstown, Ohio and moved to Burbank, Florida in 1948. She was a graduate of the 1961 class of Ocala High School. She passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday May 13, 2026.
A faithful follower of Jesus, Mrs. Steel always pointed others to Him with her life through word and deed. She was a long-time member of Grace Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Steel served 30 years as a Paraprofessional at Oakcrest Elementary School teaching many children to read. Her love for children was ever present in her relationships with her students, children and grandchildren.
She was a true wordsmith, with a love for writing many odes, poems, and songs. A gifted musician, she led choirs, and played the flute many years at church and in the Kingdom of the Sun Band.
Born to Marvin Glenn Byers and Ruth A. Byers (Callison), she was raised by her grandmother, Elva Byers (Parks), with her dear sister Betty L. Austin (Byers-Harger).
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years James “Jimmy” Arthur Steel, III, her sister Betty Austin and step-mother Christine Byers.
She is survived by her son, Matt Lowe (Cindy); daughter Aimee DeSousa (Cristiano); and grandchildren Joshua Lowe (Susie), Caleb Lowe (Paris), Anna Lowe, Aaron Lowe and Giovanni DeSousa. She is also survived by two stepsons, Brent Steel and his children Katlynn, Gregory, and Tiffany Steel; and Jeff Steel and his children Matthew, Hannah Tring (Steel), Sarah, Joshua, Caleb, and Abigail Steel. She is survived by her nephew Andrew Harger; her brother Wayne Byers (Diane) and their sons Jesse and Mitchell Byers; sister Julie Burton and her son Alex Burton; brother Danny Byers and brother Timmy Byers and his daughter Christy Conk.
Interment will follow the reception at 2pm at Highland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of JoAnn Steel can be made to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pefomc/amount/1007389/recurring