October 7, 1943 – October 27, 2026
Ellen Jo Tabor Steadman, age 83, of Winchester, TN, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in her home, surrounded by loving family. A native of Gloster, MS, Ellen lived her adult life primarily in Mobile, AL, with brief periods in Lancaster, PA, and Tupelo, MS. Franklin County became home in 2001, upon her retirement from a working career which included time as a bookkeeper, property manager, and administrator. This variety of work life was indicative of the intelligence, adaptability, and resilience that were among her best and most admired traits. Ellen was a loving mother/mom/mama, grandma and great-grandma, ever willing to provide care, guidance, and time. A gifted seamstress, she designed and created countless quilts, blankets, and other sundries for loved ones and was an active member of the Material Girls Quilt Guild. Ellen was an alto with a passion for singing praise music in her church choir, and she was previously a member of the Winchester Civic Choir as well. An avid bowler, she was a valuable teammate in the Golden Ages league, impressively scoring a solid 135 average, even as her health was failing in recent years. She was a car enthusiast, attending many shows with her good friend and companion, Terry Flynn, even winning an award at Cruisin’ for the Vets for her much-beloved Mustang GT California Special muscle car.
Ellen is preceded in death by her husband of forty years, James Thierry Steadman (d. 2011); parents, Ralph Rathbun Tabor and Ellen Josepha Cassells Tabor; and sister, Gwendolyn Kay Tabor Jones. Surviving are son, Bill (Andrea) Pouncey of Columbia, SC; daughters, Teresa (Mark) Haldeman of Columbia, TN, and Emily Steadman of Evanston, IL; grandchildren, Ben, Alexa, Brad, Beth, Jack, Mike, Rose, Eva; and great-grandchildren, Zoey, Vada, Ava, Reign, Benny.
Friends and family will gather at Owens Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church for a memorial service on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11am, to celebrate in remembrance of Ellen. A visitation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Multi-County Cancer Support Network (MCCSN) at mccsn.org or to Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) at bloodcancerunited.org. Online condolences may be sent to www.moorecortner.com.
