Freeport – Vernicia V. Steele, 81 died at the Lena Living Center.  She was born on December 21, 1939 to the late Charles and Leota (Clankie) Higgins in Roscoe, IL. She married Gerald Steele on February 14, 1964 and he died on May 13, 2016.  She attended Roscoe Schools and worked at WalMart as a cashier for 12 years.

Vernicia loved to go camping and she loved her family very much.  She is survived by Valerie Curry of Rockford, Lori Steele of Mt. Carroll, Mark Steele, Scott (Lynn) Steele of Ridott, Faith (Richard) Thompson of Monroe, WI and Christopher (Kathy) Steele of Claremont, IL. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Eleanor Lee of Belvidere, Judy Schmit of Lake City, FL and 2 brothers, Dale Higgins of St. Petersburg, FL and Charles Higgins of Texas. She also has 15 grandchildren and 29 Great Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, several siblings, 2 Great grandsons and 1 Great granddaughter.

Her final resting place is at Grandview Cemetery. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.