Dorothy Irene Mills Steen

Dorothy "Dot" Irene Mills Steen, 88, passed away early Monday morning, July 19, 2010, at CMC-Union in Monroe due to complications from pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Born November 15, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Alice Litaker Mills and William Lee Mills, Sr. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, John Perry Steen, Sr., who died in December of 2009, and three siblings: William Lee Mills, Jr. of Concord, NC; Helen Mills Readling of Concord, NC and Harold L. Mills of Concord, NC. Mrs. Steen is survived by three children: John P. Steen, Jr and wife, Jean of Conway, SC; Beverly S. Beal and husband Bryan of Lincolnton,NC; and Deborah S. Cruse and husband, Stan of Summerville, SC; and four grandchildren: Rebecca Steen, Ben Beal, Bayley Beal, and Stanley Cruse. Early in life, Mrs. Steen worked at Cannon Mills, where she met her future husband, Perry. She briefly worked at Virginia's Clothing Store and even sold popcorn from her home to students attending Aycock Elementary School. She will be remembered best for the 40 years she was the "Avon Lady". Mrs. Steen was an active and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis. She served in many areas of ministry including: children's Sunday School and discipleship training programs, Vacation Bible School, the women's missionary organization, and an older adult group at the church known as the Keen-Agers. Mrs. Steen was one of the first female members of the congregation to serve as a deacon. The Steen family would like to thank the caregivers, who lovingly cared for Dot when she was at home after suffering a stroke in July of 2000. Dot moved to Concord Place in 2004, then to Autumn Care Nursing Facility in Marshville, NC in May of 2009. Mrs. Steen's funeral will be held at 2:30 pm Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel in Kannapolis with Rev. Norman Brission officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:15 pm Thursday, prior to the service. Interment will be Oakwood Cemetery in Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Opportunity House, Cooperative Christian Ministry PO Box 1717, Concord, NC 28026-1717. The internet address is: www.cooperativeministry.com .