Chris Steppelman

Mrs. Chris S. Steppelman, age 60 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, February 18, 2012, at her home. She was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend. Chris was born on June 24, 1951, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Carl and Peggy Stevens Beasley. She was married on November 25, 1973, in Jefferson City, to Jay B. Steppelman. A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Chris was a 1969 graduate of Jefferson City High School, where she was active in the Jayettes, Jay Band, and voted both Homecoming and Marcullus Queen. She received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri in 1971, and went on to receive her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Lincoln University in 1975. Chris had a profound effect on our community through her teaching. For 38 years at Moreau Heights, she worked hard to help every child in her classroom succeed. Academic success was an important part of Chris's classroom, but she also worked to build citizens with good character. Parents of her students appreciated her dedication and the positive attitude she used with each student. Fellow teachers and administrators respected the work she did in her classroom as well as her ability to collaborate with other teachers. She served on many committees both at the building and district level. She was a respected member of the Professional Development Committee, Salary and Welfare Committee and Faculty Council. Chris worked to improve the teaching profession by serving as an officer in the Jefferson City chapter of the National Education Association. Her work with students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators will impact our community for years to come. In addition to educational organizations, Chris was a sister of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Theta Chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She grew up in the Girl Scouts, as both a scout and a counselor at Camp Pin Oak. For years she served on the board of the Girls Scouts of America. Chris enjoyed weekend trips, quilting, and yoga, but most importantly, she loved spending time with family and friends. Survivors include: her husband, Jay Steppelman; her daughters, Sarah Mason and her husband Cody of Durango, Colorado and Sally Steppelman of Jefferson City, Mo.; her father, Carl Beasley of Jefferson City, Mo.; brother, Bill Beasley and his wife Leigh of Jefferson City, Mo.; sister-in-law, Pam Steppelman and Bob Stanley of Jefferson City, Mo; niece, Leslie Hodges and her husband Grant and their son, Avery; and nephew, Steven Stanley and his wife Melissa and their daughter, Ella. She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy J. Beasley. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2012. A Celebration of Chris's Life will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2012, in the Freeman Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Animal Shelter or Moreau Heights Elementary School PTO. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com