Laurel Parry Steele

Beloved Mimi and Owner of Signal Mountain Nursery

Laurel Parry Steele, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on July 7, 2022 at the age of 72. Laurel, known to her loved ones at Mimi, was born to the late Arthur William and Ben Addie Coleman Parry on October 4, 1949. After graduating from City High School in 1967, Laurel attended Middle Tennessee State University where she graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. While attending MTSU, she met the love of her life, David Lee Steele. They were married on June 3, 1972. Together, they had three children David Lee Steele Jr., Carmen Steele Collier (Matt), and Kimberly Steele Bonastia (Mark). She is survived by her husband, David, her three children, David, Carmen, and Kim, her beloved grandchildren, Gabe, Karoline, Abby, Masaki, Kaleb, Yuji, and Lizzie, her brother, Arthur William Jr. (Sue), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurel, a vibrant naturalist who saw the gifts of God through rainstorms, flowers, frogs and insects, instilled her love of nature to all who surrounded her. Laurel possessed an unbelievable talent for accessing God’s beauty through flowers and plants creating masterpieces for everyone to enjoy. Laurel gained her knowledge and love of plants from her parents who initially started Parry Nursery, a peony and later daylily farm. Laurel and David together dreamed big and with a beautiful vision worked hard to create the magnificent Signal Mountain Nursery we enjoy today.

Laurel, with her servant’s heart, had such a unique way to love others through laughter. She had the most contagious smile as she shared her cunning wit through her silly jokes. Her joyful ways brought others close together. Laurel was a best friend to many through the years. She loved others well. Laurel's grandchildren remember her best for her encouraging words, cheerful stories, and being “Everyone’s Mimi”.

A memorial service will be held at the Little Brown Church (3209 Spring Avenue, Signal Mountain) at 10 am, Tuesday, July 12th, 2022. Visitation and a Celebration of Life with catered luncheon will be held following the service at Signal Mountain Nursery (1100 Hubbard Rd, Signal Mountain). In honor of Laurel’s nature, we ask that you dress casually in bright and joyful colors.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.