Obituary of Mary Jo Usher Steel

Mary Jo Usher Steel, age 95, passed away at her home in Aiken, SC on April 4, 2024.

Jo was born September 16, 1928 to Joseph T. Usher and Mary Horton Usher in Elm City, North Carolina. She spent her childhood in Greensboro, NC and proudly called herself a Tarheel to the day of her death. In 1950, Jo received a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from The Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) of the College of William and Mary. She worked for the State of North Carolina as a social worker until the birth of her first child. While in Greensboro, Jo was a member of St. Andrews’ Episcopal Church. Over the years she volunteered regularly at church, with her children’s school activities, and in various civic organizations.

In 1994, Jo relocated to Aiken, SC to be near her daughter and grandchildren. In Aiken, Jo was a member of First Presbyterian Church and sang in their choir for many years. She was also a member of Town and Country, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Music was one of her great passions. Jo loved attending concerts with her son, Joey, who relocated to Aiken from Japan in 2009.

Jo was predeceased by her beloved parents. She is survived by her daughter Virginia Steel Hudock (Douglas); her son Joseph Thames Usher Steel; and two grandchildren, Patrick Steel Noel and Kathryn Anne Noel.

Her funeral is scheduled for Sunday April 21 at 3 P.M. in The George Funeral Chapel, Aiken, SC with a reception to follow in the funeral home parlor. A graveside service will be held in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro, North Carolina at 11 A.M. on Wednesday April 24.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph T. and Mary H. Usher Endowment at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com