Mrs. Victoria Jean (Brown) Steele

UTICA- Mrs. Victoria Jean (Brown) Steele, age 61, entered her eternal rest unexpectedly on Sunday, November 28, 2021 with the host of angels surrounding her. Victoria, affectionately known to many as “Vicky,” was born on June 29, 1960 to Dorothy (Billins) Brown and the late Theadore Brown. She began her primary education in the Utica public schools and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Victoria received her associate degree in Business Management from Mohawk Valley Community College in 2018 and graduated with a 3.3 GPA. She later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Management Studies at SUNY Empire State College and obtained a 3.45 GPA. This was just one example of the great determination and mindset to the goals to which she held, and all who knew her are so proud! While enjoying life, Victoria humbly acquired many different accomplishments in her lifetime. She was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She began her working career with the Teamsters Local Union, and also humbly served as a Home Advisor and Service Coordinator at the Home Ownership Center where she was the face for the organization. For over 18 years her welcoming personality, style and grace were so embracing to her clients; this is an example of how devoted and loving she was. She then became a Field Representative for the Census Bureau and concluded her career as a Senior Employment Security Clerk with the Department of Labor. Vicky was truly a gentle soul, genuine of heart, had an engaging smile, and laughter from her heart. Her hugs were so comforting and you could sense her affection for you. Her external and internal beauty were so aligned. This precious woman walked this earth with the Lord’s purpose and although her passing shatters the hearts of those she loved, she leaves such a fine example of how one should and could live a successful and meaningful life. Victoria was an active member of the Greater Highway Deliverance Temple where she served tirelessly as the head usher for almost two decades. In this position, when she greeted you in the house of the Lord, she did so with such a welcoming and humble manner. It’s often said that we are irreplaceable in this world, but she will be one of those special women not to be forgotten. She really loved the Lord and was a walking staple of God’s loving kindness. Victoria really enjoyed the outdoors. She loved days of gardening and could bring anything back to life. She also was one to make home improvements, delighted in shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. She was a true family woman. There was nothing more important to her than family time, whether it be hanging with her children, grandbabies, visiting her mother, or chatting with her siblings or close friends. She was one of a kind. Victoria leaves to mourn her passing her mother, Dorothy (Billins) Brown; her children, William Steele III, Kahil Steele, and Qiaja Steele; her grandchildren, Jeremiah Mason, and Josiah Jackson; longtime friend, Stephen Grant; her brothers, Theadore “Ted” Jr. (Bernice) Brown, all of Utica, David (Cynthia) Brown of Fayetteville, NC, and Steven Brown of Herkimer, NY; her sisters, Dorothy Eversley of Utica, Audrey Williams of Johnson City, TN, Carol Bradley of Rochester, NY, and Rose (Robert) Billins-Ley of West Palm Beach, FL. Victoria is also survived by a host of aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many special friends. Victoria was predeceased by her father, Theadore Brown, her sister, Courtney (Brown) Watkins, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and her mother-in-law, Bessie Bowens to who she truly was a blessing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to pay their respects to the family on Saturday, December 11, 2021 between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at her home parish, Greater Highway Deliverance Temple, 1705 Whitesboro Street, Utica, NY 13502. Her Home Going Celebration will follow at 1:00. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery. Mask coverings over both nose and mouth will be required for the safety of the family and her visitors.

Mrs. Victoria Jean (Brown) Steele

June 29, 1960 - November 28, 2021