Many Douglass alumni remember Pemberton "Pem" Steele, the Douglass High School Music Director and Teacher (I believe he also played the piano for a time at the Central Baptist Church on Carver Street, plus he also was a private piano teacher during his time at Douglass High School). His wife, Nancy Hampton Steele was also a Health and Home Economics teacher at Douglass. I did an internet search for the Steeles, and found this remembrance:
Professor Pemberton Steele was a well-known Cleveland gospel musician and the long-time chorus master for The Greater Abyssinia Male Chorus. Together with the choir of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, he recorded the notable gospel album "God is, Still Is, Alive Today".
While a primary published obituary detailing his specific passing is not readily archived online, historical records from his family provide relevant context:
- Family Members: Professor Pemberton Steele was married to Nancy Pearl Hampton Steele.
- Children's Passing: Their son, Anthony Pemberton Steele (born November 7, 1969), passed away at age 52 on January 25, 2022. Anthony's obituary notes that he was preceded in death by both of his parents, Pemberton and Nancy Steele. Services for the family have historically been handled by Watson's Funeral Home in Cleveland.
- Surviving Family: Professor Steele is survived by his daughters, Karen (of Florida) and Sonya (of Columbus, Ohio), as well as multiple grandchildren. NOTE: We are not sure when Mr. Steele or Miss Hampton passed.
If you are looking for specific records regarding Professor Steele's estate, specific dates, or a hard copy of his funeral program, you can contact the administrative offices at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on E. 105th Street in Cleveland, where his musical legacy remains an archival part of their history.
