Rebecca Steele Smith Bays

Rebecca Gay Steele Smith Bays, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Bristol, Tennessee, she lived a joyful and active life. Rebecca Gay loved singing and dancing, and she was well known for it around the area. Always beautifully dressed and wearing a smile, she shared kindness and encouragement wherever she went. After retiring, she and her best friend, Brenda Rosenbalm, formed a group of singers who ministered through karaoke every month in nursing homes for over 30 years.

She loved her family deeply, and her home was open to those in need. Rebecca Gay cherished family gatherings and never missed the Clark Family Reunion. She had several special friends she also considered family, and she loved her church family dearly.

A graduate of Virginia Intermont College, she worked as a pediatric and OB/GYN nurse at Holston Valley Medical Center for more than 25 years, also serving in home health and as a school nurse. Her second career was in insurance and as the co‑owner of Quad Cities Cellular Link with her late husband, Earl Steele. Rebecca Gay was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church, studying her Bible daily and living the Word with mercy, joy, and generosity. Her message would be: Trust in God, be faithful, and love one another unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Homer Earl Steele, Bill Smith, and David Bays; her son, David Earl Steele; her parents, Dale and Ella Mae Honaker; and her siblings. She is survived by her children Lisa Lohoff (Steve), Donna Phillippi (Pat), and Michael Steele (Kristi); grandchildren Josh Walden (Kennedy), Steven Steele (Tiffany), Rebekah Steele Long, Luke Lohoff, and Alyssa Phillippi; great‑grandchildren Brayden, Bryleigh, Kensie, and Xander; her best friend, Brenda Rosenbalm; special friend, Luther Chapman; and lifelong family friend, David Smith.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church, 112 Walnut Hill Road, Bristol, TN. Flowers are appreciated or donations to Liberty Baptist Church. Pastors Josh Bowman and Stan Anderson will officiate.