Obituary of Malcolm S. Steele

Reverend Malcolm Sheldon Steele, of Hightstown passed away peacefully on September 3, 2012 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune Township after a short illness. Malcolm was born in Amityville, Long Island, New York to the late George and Gladys Steele. Malcolm was 84 years of age. He was educated in the Amityville School System and received his license to preach in 1949. He met and married Nora W. Harmon on September 3, 1955. He began his ministry at St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church, Douglaston, New York serving two years before being transferred to Dickerson Chapel in Millsboro, Delaware. There he served and lead the congregation for 13 years. In June 1956, he was transferred to the New Jersey Annual Conference, receiving the appointment to preach and pastor at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Freehold where he remained pastor for 36 years until his retirement in 2001. Affectionately known as Rev, he was employed as Disciplinarian at the Park Avenue Elementary School, Freehold for 25 years (he was loved by all). Rev. Steele served on the following committees in the Freehold Community: Vice-President of Concerned Citizen of Freehold, Board of Trustees of the Freehold Area Hospital now known as CentraState Medical Center, a Trustee for the Y.M.C.A. of Freehold, Chairman of the Juvenile Council Courts of Freehold, and a member of the Freehold Ministers Association. Reverend Steele was honored to dedicate many public buildings in the Borough of Freehold and was also honored and placed in the Hall of Fame at the Park Avenue School library in Freehold. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Nora Wenona Steele; a sister, Lorraine Steele, Yardville, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. Calling hours will be Friday, September 7, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 3 Waterworks Road, Freehold. Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 10 a.m. followed by interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Ida F. Simpson Missionary Society or the Golden Age Club of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.