Naomi A Steeley

A Life Celebrated and Remembered Naomi A. Steeley On December 22, 2023, the Lord called one of his faithful servants home. Naomi Steeley, affectionately known as Ma Steeley, was born on June 28, 1925, to the late Walter Truly and late Vonona Bocile. Naomi’s younger years were spent in New Haven, CT until 1947 where she met and married the late Harold Steeley and moved to Stamford, CT. Two beautiful children were born from that union. In 1956, Naomi moved to Norwalk, CT where she met Henry Askew and bore three more beautiful children. In her younger years, Naomi was the longest Junior Past Daughter Ruler of the Junior Temple of the Elks, New Haven, CT. As an advocate for racial peace and justice, Naomi founded the first Welfare Rights organization in Norwalk. She held various leadership roles in Norwalk such as President of the Meadow Gardens Tenants Association, Vice President of the Norwalk N.A.A.C.P, Board Member of the NEON Advisory Counsel, Member of the Black Democratic Coalition Committee and Advisor of the Norwalk Youth Community Concert Choir. One of Naomi’s proudest moments was when she received her high school diploma from the Cooperative Education Program at Norwalk Community College. She went on to receive her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Naomi also held a certificate in Early Childhood Education from the Adams Academy. She was a Paraprofessional Special Education Teacher for the Westport School System for over twenty years. She also worked as the head teacher of the Childrens Corner at the Norwalk YMCA, Head Teacher at Little Peoples Daycare, and a part-time assistant teacher at the Norwalk Head Start program. Naomi had a great love for children and after retirement, she continued to nurture and support children by opening the doors of her home. Naomi enjoyed sewing and making her own clothes. Organizing musical productions was also her passion. She was a gospel legend and her musical talents spanned multiple decades. Naomi was a concert vocalist for more than 80 years. In the late 1950’s she recorded, “I Got Jesus and That’s Enough” on a vinyl record and was part of the legendary recording group, The Gospel Warble Aires. She was the founder of the group, “Naomi and the Anchors of Faith.” Naomi was a member of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church from its inception, under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Dr. Phillip C. Joubert, Sr., until she was unable to attend. She went on to become the mother of the church at Love Unlimited Ministries International under the direction of her son, Pastor Charles L. Askew. Naomi was also the pianist and director of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Chorus, the New Light Women’s Ensemble, St. James Gospel Chorus, New Hope Gospel Chorus, and the Community Baptist Gospel Chorus of New Canaan. Naomi worked hard to be a positive force in the community. In 1992, she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Corinthian Lodge Order of Masons. February 24, 2018, was named Naomi Steeley Day in the town of Norwalk by the Mayor, the Honorable Harry W. Rilling. She received many other accolades over the years for her service and accomplishments. Naomi is the author of “No Cross, No Crown,” published in 2009, which is a biography of her life. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Harold Steeley and her brother Wendell Saunders. Naomi had a great love for family and leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Edith Harris and Mary Harris, one brother Walter (Cookie) Harris; three daughters, Deborah Martin, Denise Duhart (Gregory), Linda Dunn (Gary); two sons Charles Askew (Patricia), and Hugh Askew (Angela); twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; two chosen daughters, Angela Moseley and Dorothy Weeks; devoted friends Rosa Mae Brown and Ida Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, Step brothers and sisters, and lifelong friends. One of Ma Steeley’s favorite scriptures is the 23rd Psalm and one of her favorite hymns is Amazing Grace. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Macedonia Church, 39 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

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Naomi A Steeley

June 28, 1925 - December 22, 2023