Joseph Brian Steele, 47, of White Hall, AR went to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025, with his devoted mother by his side.

Born October 16, 1977, in Pine Bluff, he was the son of the late Joseph "Joel" Steele and Kay (Lisenbey) Steele. From the age of 9 months old until the age of 25, he attended Jenkins Memorial Center in Pine Bluff, AR.

When Brian was just 3 months old, his parent's dream of nurturing a "normal child" was shattered. While battling his first episode of pneumonia and enduring countless medical procedures, his doting parents were given the heartbreaking news that their beautiful baby boy with the most gorgeous blue eyes, and lovable smile was intellectually disabled, blind, and unable to live as a normal human being with a life expectancy of 17.  As his tiny body struggled to survive, his parents were determined to provide their precious son with a life full of endless love and everlasting happiness.

Throughout Brian's extraordinary time on earth, he accomplished so much more than anyone could have predicted.  Always a happy person, Brian was treated no differently to his younger brother Nick, or his many cousins who adored him. Everyone encouraged Brian to succeed and pitched in by helping him even with the smallest tasks.

One of Brian's most memorable accomplishments was overcoming his physical limitations while learning to swim at the age of 5. Brian became a hometown celebrity when the local newspaper caught wind of his remarkable talent and devoted a full page highlighting his incredible skills in the water.  His swimming teacher, Barrett Stratton, described Brian as being the most comfortable child that she'd ever worked with. Barrett stated that she'd never met a child who laughs as much as Brian and claps for himself when he's done something special.  Within 12 days of lessons, he was diving into the water, and effortlessly swimming on his back.

Even though Brian's fragile condition often warranted special care, his bedtime animals didn't consist of fluffy stuffed animals. His favorite bed partner was an old farm dog named Sophia who slept at the foot of his bed. Along with Sophia, his other fur friends, Barkley and Lulu fearlessly protected Brian from any foreseeable harm and always kept a gentle watch over him.

Although Brian's communication consisted mainly of squeals, laughter, and touch, his family focused on the things he could do instead of the things he couldn't. Brian truly was a remarkable gift from God. He could smile, he could laugh, he could feel unbridled happiness, and most importantly, he could love without condition all the while showing his love without ever saying a word. Brian was a survivor; a true exemplary of courage and strength as he overcame many obstacles and met each day with happiness and a warm smile. If you knew Brian, you knew you were loved.

Brian is preceded in death by his dad, Joel and his nephew Will Steele. To cherish his memory is his mom Kay, brother, Nick and uncles' Brooks Lisenbey and Billy Steele, along with a host of family and friends who loved Brian unconditionally.

A Celebration of Brian's life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 24, 2025 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with his cousin, Bro. Stacy Lisenbey, and his brother, Nick Steele officiating. Visitation is also Monday, from 12:00 P.M. until service time. Burial will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville.

Serving as pallbearers: Nick Steele, Billy Steele, Cole Somers, Jeff Lisenbey, Jacob Lisenbey, Brooks Lisenbey

In honor of Brian, donations can be made to Jenkins Memorial Center at https://jenkinsmc.org/