Gwendolyn Steele Jones

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Steele Jones of Shalimar, Florida, went to be with her Lord on October 5, 2026. Gwendolyn was born in Laurel Hill, Florida, on July 2, 1935, to Atrice Inez and Jason Monroe "Doc" Steele. She grew up, as the sixth generation, on the family farm and attended Laurel Hill School, graduating as the salutatorian of her class in 1952. She enjoyed sports and was active in the Beta Club, serving as president, and Youth for Christ, serving as director. She later graduated from Massey Business College and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. She enjoyed a rewarding career that began in Civil Service at Eglin Air Force Base and later transitioned to a major aerospace firm. Her career led her to live in and explore Anaheim, California; Annapolis, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; and Salt Lake City, Utah, in addition to her longtime home in Okaloosa County, Florida. Gwen was known for her inner beauty, which radiated through her welcoming smile. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She also served on the Host Committee of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and was president of both the Valparaiso Garden Club and the Fort Walton Beach Women's Club. She was a lifelong supporter of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Gwen's greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife. She is survived by her son, H. Byron Green (Cynthia); granddaughters, Mikaela (Peter) Marra and Lauren (Amanda) Green; and great-grandchildren, Brayden and Hayes Marra. She was preceded in death by her parents, Inez and Jason Monroe "Doc" Steele; her sister, Glenith Steele; her brother, Ray Neil Steele; and her husband, Herbert P. Jones. Gwen will be remembered for her gracious spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she shared with family and friends. Her warm kindness and generous philanthropy were hallmarks of her life. She found great joy in helping others. After cremation, Gwen will be interred with her family at Almarante Cemetery in Laurel Hill, Florida