Elizabeth “Betsy” Canfield Steele, 71, widow of the late Thomas Lee Steele, passed away on January 18, 2026, at Spartanburg Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born on Long Island, NY, she was the daughter of the late Josie Ellenberg Canfield and Jesse Odell Canfield, Jr. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, SC, in 1972 and attended Furman University. She worked for Geer Drug Company in Greenville, SC, for many years and later worked as a call center supervisor at Smile Makers in Spartanburg, SC, for twenty-seven years. After her retirement, she took on the role as primary caregiver to her parents.

Betsy is a member of Fingerville United Methodist Church. She was active in both her church and community. Her passion was making others feel loved and remembered through her greeting card ministry. She spent countless hours each year signing hundreds–if not thousands–of cards for nursing home residents, veterans, various other organizations, and family members for every major holiday. She also loved drinking numerous cups of black coffee daily and taking in any stray cat that came to her door.

Surviving are her four sisters, Margaret Elsea (Harry) of Bristol, TN; Nancy Naylor of Covington, GA; Sarah Bishop of Spartanburg, SC; Ruth Canfield of Cochran, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service officiated by Pastors Thom Thorton and Bill Thompson will be held at Fingerville UMC on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palmetto Patriots Home (palmettopatriotshome.com); Veterans Last Patrol (veteranlastpatrol.org); Wreaths Across America (wreathsacrossamerica.org); or to the charity of one's choice.

All arrangements are entrusted into the care and under the direction of Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory, 864-461-7788.