Sep 05, 1951---Nov 11, 2023

Carol Jo Stealey, 72, of Overland Park Kansas passed away surrounded by her loving family the morning of Saturday, November 11 after a courageous battle with cancer.

 

Carol Jo was born on September 5, 1951 in Flint, Michigan. She and her twin brother, Craig, were adored by their parents, Robert and Joan Lancaster. In 1966, her sophomore year in high school, Carol Jo’s life changed forever when she and her family moved to Overland Park, Kansas. It was at Shawnee Mission South that she met the love of her life, Ted Stealey, in study hall. Carol Jo was a twirler with the Raider band until she graduated in 1969. 

After high school, she went to Kansas State University where she was very involved in her sorority. As a Tri-Delta, Carol Jo graduated from Kansas State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After college, she and Ted were married on July 27, 1973 and she was hired as an elementary school teacher by the Shawnee Mission School District. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Webster University. She used that love of learning and teaching to inspire and change the lives of hundreds of her students. She was even nominated and received the Kindest Kansan Award! She loved teaching and had a very successful 33 year career with the Shawnee Mission School District before retiring in May, 2014.

As proud as she was of her career, everything else pales in comparison to the pride Carol Jo took in her family. She is survived by her adoring husband of 50 years, Ted and their children Jim and Casey (Nick Atkins) as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, in-laws and cousins. Her parents and twin brother preceded her in death.

Carol Jo will be remembered as fiercely loyal, kind, loving, and generous by all who knew her. She was knowledgeable yet relatable, wise and empathetic, brilliant yet humble…but mostly, Carol Jo was warm, welcoming, and always safe. She was everyone’s best friend. She will be missed tremendously.

Memorial service will be 10:00am Friday, November 17th at the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas 



Condolences

Kristy Rasdall Nov 14, 2023

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Ted, Jim and Casey, what a beautiful obituary describing my dear friend to a tee. “everyone’s best friend” for sure. She leaves a wonderful legacy and I will miss her dearly. Prayers for peace for all of you!

Addie Catloth Nov 14, 2023

Dear Family Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I will forever hear her warmly saying “Addie Mae” upon each meeting and look forward to the day I can hear it again. She was my Mother’s (Stacy Miller) dear friend for many many years and someone our entire family held dear to our heart. This tribute is beautiful and all-encompassing! She welcomed us with open arms each and every time we saw her. I can still smell her classroom, hear her guinea pig squealing and imagine poking fun at all the purple around her room! She will be greatly missed.

Tara Wakefield Nov 14, 2023

She was an amazing teacher for both of our kiddos. ,Lenexa ,Kansas

She touched so many lives, her memory will last for lifetimes.

Kathy Portman Nov 14, 2023

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

What a wonderful lady. Carol Jo was everyone’s friend. After teaching with her for many years, I saw her personality at work. Everyone loved her…….co-workers, students, parents, and anyone she came in contact with. She will be greatly missed.

Ellen Stevens Nov 14, 2023

Mrs. Stealey was my son's teacher. She was a wonderful teacher. She made learning fun and all students feel valued. My son loved school because of her. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Susan Mitts Nov 14, 2023

My daughter was very blessed to have her as a teacher at McAullife!!! She was so kind, loving, and patient!!! Her beautiful smile and sense of humor will be missed.

Bailie Sonnentag Nov 14, 2023

Student ,Lowell ,Arkansas

She has always been my favorite teacher and I have so many great memories of her and her classroom. So sorry for your loss

Peggy Rothman-Freeman Nov 14, 2023

Friend ,Phoenix ,Arizona

Words seem empty at times like these. Carol Jo was so loving, kind and caring. I'm so very sorry Casey, Jim and Ted.

Shelley zipp Nov 14, 2023

Casey, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I’d never met your Mom, but she was a very good friend of my sister Kristy Rasdall. She was a big part of their SMS group and I know how much she was loved by Kristy and her family. May she rest in peace. Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ????????

Susan Gampper Nov 14, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Carol Jo was one of the kindest, sweetest person I ever taught with. She was such a blessing to all her students. She will leave a void in many lives and will be missed by so many.

Meridith Mullins Nov 14, 2023

Friend fron high school ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

Dear Ted, and family… I am so sorry to hear your dear sweet Carol Jo has passed. Carol Jo was one of the kindest … thoughtful and truly genuine person I’ve ever known. My heart breaks for the sorrow you must be feeling. God bless and I’ll pray for you during this heartbreaking time. Peace in Christ Sincerely…Your old friend Meridith Mullins ????

Dave and Vicki Peck Nov 15, 2023

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Ted and family - Vicki and I were so very sorry to hear about Carol-Jo. She was a great gal and we know you miss her tremendously. Your friends, Dave & Vicki Peck

Constance Brown Nov 15, 2023

Friend from SMS hug school ,Charlottesville ,Virginia

Dear Ted and family, Don and I are so very sorry to hear of Carol jo’s passing. She was always a bright light. Such a kind and caring person who always had a smile for you. I hadn’t seen her for many years but when we talked at the SMS 50th reunion she was still that loving person from high school days. She has passed from this life far to soon. How blessed the world has been to have experienced her kindness. With deepest condolences from, Connie and Don brown SMS 1969

Diane Stair Nov 15, 2023

Christa McAuliffe School ,Peoria ,Arizona

Carol Jo was an amazing teacher with a beautiful Heart! She touched my sons, Chris & Nicks heart as their 3 grade teacher. She follows us on Facebook and loved all her love and comments. We loved her love for all her students she taught. She will dearly be missed by all lives she touched with her love???? I pray for God’s comfort to the family.

Jan Morris Nitcher Nov 15, 2023

Classmate and friend ,Baldwin City ,Kansas

Ted and all of your family, My heartfelt condolences at the news of Carol Jo’s passing. I enjoyed reconnecting with Carol Jo and Ted at our SMS class of 1969 50th reunion. I’ll always remember her kindness, beautiful smile and soulful eyes. Peace to you all Jan Morris Nitcher

Tommy Nov 15, 2023

Cousin ,Grand Rapids ,Michigan

I am having a difficult time believing that my special cousin is no longer with us. I have always love her for who she was and hope she knows we will be remembering our special get together’s for ever. Ted has lost a special partner. Casey has been a wonderful daughter with a terrific commitment to her Mom. Casey has been a saint. We love the entire family. Tommy

nancy hutsell mccarthy Nov 15, 2023

friend ,prairie village ,Kansas

my pledge mom my roommate my bridesmaid my favorite bridge partner my dear friend who will be missed! thanks for the memories Jo??

Mindy Gorton (Von Elling) Nov 16, 2023

Former student ,Spring Hill ,Kansas

Mrs. Stealey was my third grade teacher and remains one of the most influential mentors in my life to this day. She christened me “Mindy Moo” and that nickname has stuck since. It was so beloved by my family and me that “Moo” is my camp nickname at the cardiac camp in California at which I’m a counselor. I love that she is described as warm, welcoming, and always safe, because I always felt safe and loved and warm in her classroom and in her presence. You will be extremely missed, Mrs. Stealey. Your students love you so much. ❤️

Karen Woods Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Ted, Jim, Casey, Nick, and Family, So many emotions felt over the loss of your beloved, shock, sadness, anger, and disbelief. I am so deeply sorry that she was taken far too soon, and that her absence will leave a hole in so many lives, but none like yours. She spoke of you all so often over the years, always with a glint of humor and an abundance of love. She was a wife and mom above all other roles. To me she was a mentor beyond comparison, who encouraged me to become a teacher, and I did. To “Matt Matt” and “Ry Ry” she was a loving teacher, with constant devotion to their success, not only academically, but in all areas of growth. She got that! There lies the difference between her and others. She was the best! We, her “survivors”, and hundreds of others that were touched by her kindness, loyalty, dedication, humor, and those BIG beautiful eyes will never forget her. We are forever grateful, and just plain lucky to have known Carol Jo Stealey. Thinking of you all with deepest sympathy and prayers for peace. The Woods Family

Bob Huggins Nov 16, 2023

High school ,Kansas City. ,Missouri

Ted, I'm so sad to hear the news. I pray for your family and hope peace for you all. My thoughts are will you.

Olene Thomsen Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I met Carol Jo through my very good friends Sue Stealey Corbett and her husband Bill. I was treated like family, invited to Christmas events, the lake, and many more gatherings, all at every home of the Stealey families. We shared a lot of joy over the years and Carol Jo , her smile and kindness will se sorely missed. My condolences to the family. With love, Olene Thomsen

David Pittaway Nov 16, 2023

Classmate ,Naples ,Florida

Ted and family, so sorry to hear about Carol Jo. She was always so inclusive and companionable to everyone, wanting everybody to have joy and friendship. She was beloved and will be greatly missed.

Jennifer millett Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

Jack and I are extremely saddened by this news. Jack has always had a special place in his heart for this adorable couple. He has told me stories over the years about how they would pass notes and giggle during study hall. She was a bright light and brought such joy to all who were lucky enough to cross her path and be a friend. Sending our prayers and love. Jack and Jennifer Millett

Ben Logan Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,La Canada ,California

I was very sorry to learn of Carol Jo’s passing. She was a high school classmate and the driving force behind our 50th reunion. She will be sorely missed.

Margaret Weddell Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,Portland ,Oregon

Ted and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Carol Jo led a storybook life filled with love. She was widely and deeply admired. I am holding you in my prayers.

Lynn Lippoldt Nov 16, 2023

Friend ,ERIE ,Colorado

Ted, I'm so, so sorry to hear about Carol Jo. I will always have fond memories of her and know how much you loved her and will miss her. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Lynn

Ed Johndrow Nov 17, 2023

Classmate ,Buford ,Georgia

My deepest condolences on the passing of Carol Jo. God bless you and your family during this time.

Chris Hornbeck Nov 17, 2023

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

My heart is hurting to hear of the passing of Carol Jo. My prayers go out to Ted and her family??. Carol Jo was such a vibrant, loving, and caring person. Reading through her life story tells me she was loved by many and wonderful to hear of her accomplishments. She will be missed by many. Sincerely, Chris Hornbeck Class of 1969

Caleigh S Nov 17, 2023

Student ,Lenexa ,Kansas

My heart is heavy hearing of this news, the same heart Mrs Stealey touched back when I was a student in her 3rd grade classroom around 18 years ago. She was always among my most favorite teachers, so supportive of all my dreams and growth, and fostering a positive learning environment I thrived in. I will never forget her tremendous light which she shared with not only me but all of her students. I was very lucky to have been her student. Sending my love and deepest condolences to the family.

Kate and John Sullivan Nov 18, 2023

Friend ,Acworth ,Georgia

We are so sorry for your loss. Carol Jo was so sweet and welcoming when we came to visit. She and Haywood shared wonderful stories from high school when we visited. She was humble and strong in her role as lead on the 50th reunion planning committee, and made all participants feel welcome. She had wonderful humor and love for her neighbors and friends. She will be sorely missed.

Bob Oden Nov 21, 2023

Teacher ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Ted, so sorry about Carol Jo, always remember you at S-M South and Joan Landcaster in the office. Bob Oden

Photo Gallery

Services

Event:
Memorial Service
Location:
Village Presbyterian Church
Address:
6641 Mission Rd
City:
Prairie Village
State:
KS
Zip Code:
66208
Date:
Nov 17, 2023
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: