Gerald Burnell Steeves

Gerald "Jerry" Burnell Steeves, 87, of Matthews, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord on June 15, 2026. Born on May 13, 1939, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Jerry was the eldest son of Burnell and Lavinia Steeves.

From his earliest years, Jerry was a young man of energy, purpose, and community spirit. As a boy he had a newspaper route, helped the local milkman with his rounds, and took piano lessons — developing a proficiency at the keyboard that would stay with him for life. He also pitched in at his father's grocery store, making bicycle deliveries through the neighborhoods of Moncton. Come winter, he could be found flooding his own backyard to make an ice rink and playing hockey with the neighborhood boys. In school he marched in the band playing trombone, served in both the Boy Scouts and Air Cadets, played piano for Sunday School, and was an active member of Baptist High Fellowship at his church.

At just sixteen, Jerry left Moncton to attend Acadia University in Nova Scotia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. His musical gifts flourished there as well — he played piano and sang with the Acadia Quartet, touring Nova Scotia with the group. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Divinity at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, laying the foundation for a life of faithful service.

In 1963, while serving as a student pastor to two churches — one of them in her hometown — Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Houghton. The two began their life together in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Jerry served as a Youth Pastor and their first child, Julie, was born. The family then moved to Pennsylvania, where Jerry completed a Master of Divinity at Eastern Theological Seminary and served as pastor of three churches. Three more children arrived during those Pennsylvania years: Marcie, Stacey "Wade," and Ford.

In 1971, Jerry began a new chapter, transitioning into the building industry in Sarasota, Florida. He remained deeply connected to the church through music ministry and continued to serve in several congregations. He also took up golf during those years, playing regularly on Florida's courses — a passion he carried with him into retirement in Georgia. Their fifth child, Shelly, was born during the family's Florida years. After a decade in Sarasota, Jerry moved his family to Northeast Georgia, where he continued his career in building and construction and served as interim pastor for three churches in the area.

Once their children were grown, Jerry and Donna settled in Brunswick, Georgia, where he built several homes before retiring. He returned to the piano bench at a local church and enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren, who loved the pool and afternoons at the beach. Jerry and Donna shared a love of travel, making trips back to Canada to visit family and venturing overseas to explore the wider world. In his workshop, surrounded by his many tools, Jerry crafted birdhouses that he gave to friends and family and donated to charity.

In the fall of 2025, facing health challenges, Jerry and Donna moved to Matthews, North Carolina, to be near family. He passed peacefully on June 15, 2026, having lived a life full of music, faith, hard work, and love.

Jerry will be remembered for his deep faith and love of the Scriptures, his adventurous spirit, and his creative mind. Music and building were twin passions that shaped every season of his life. He had a natural gift for meeting strangers and making them feel like old friends — and a talent for making just about anyone laugh. 

HE IS SURVIVED BY 

His beloved wife Donna Steeves, of Matthews, NC, his wife of 62 years.

Siblings Marvin Smith; Dean Steeves; Joyce (Mike) Moynagh; and Clifford (Kathy) Steeves — all of Canada. 

Children   Julie and Andrew Smajdor of Venice, FL,   Marcie and Ron Lemley of Greer, SC,    Dr. Wade Steeves and Dr. Yashma Patel of Lehi, UT,    Ford and Shannon Steeves of Atlanta, GA,   Shelly and Bob Kunkle of Indian Trail, NC

Grandchildren     Lauren, Lily, and Joseph Smajdor; Victoria (Ian) Curran; Patrick (Jordan) Steeves; Kyle and Katelyn Lemley; Ian and Eliza Kunkle; and Zeydn Steeves. 

Great-grandchildren     Edward and Arthur Curran, and Knighton Steeves 

A memorial service will be held at a later date