Sylvia Steele

Sylvia Marie Steele, 75, passed away on December 21, 2016. She was born on January 6, 1941 in Robstown, Texas. She married Charles Howard Steele on April 10, 1968. She received a degree in Business from Texas A&I University and a Masters Certificate in Law Enforcement.





Sylvia was a former mayor of George West, Texas, serving for 3 terms while also holding the title of Director of the Grace Armantrout Museum of George West, Texas. In addition, she was a member of the governing board of the Texas Municipal League Region 11 where she served as president. Sylvia also belonged to the Coastal Bend Council of Government. Sylvia also served as a member of the George West Chamber of Commerce, as current treasurer, and the George West Lions Club, as former president. Her belief was to give back to the community that she was part of to make it a better place for all.





Prior to moving to George West, Sylvia resided in Laredo, Texas where she was known as Captain Steele of the Webb County Sheriff's Department. She was the only female captain of the Sheriff's Department and has held that distinction through today. As Captain, she achieved many honors and prestigious awards all while helping train future law enforcement officers through the D.A.R.E. Program for years to come. While being part of the D.A.R.E program, she was appointed as instructor and mentor and travelled to several South American countries to help train law enforcement officers.





In addition to the numerous awards bestowed, the ones at the top of the list were being named to The Women's Hall of Fame for the Laredo Commission For Women and The Enrique Kike Camerena Achievement Award.



She was preceded in death by the lovely people who raised her, Eligio and Evilia Villarreal of Agua Dulce, Texas; husband, Charles Howard Steele; daughter, Vivian Lee McBride; and sisters, Beatrice Lillie Griesbaum of Henderson, Nevada, and Sarah Amaya of California.



Survivors include her children, Diana Self, John McBride (Debbie), Brian McBride (Melissa) and Linda McBride; 19 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren, as well as a sister, Anna Canales (Anibal) of Parker, Colorado. Also, a special lifelong friend, Carol Nino, that was by her side for the last 53 years.





In addition, Sylvia was also cared for by her dear friend Dr. Neela Patel of the UT Medical Group in San Antonio, Texas. She lovingly watched over her until she passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends.





A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017, at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.





In lieu of donations please contribute to Grace Armantrout Museum.

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