In the evening of Monday, September 11, 2017, Madeline Morley received her final reward of eternal life as she slipped the bonds of earth to stand in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She became a Christian while attending the First Church of Christ (Christian) where she was a long-time member and served in various capacities over 40 years.  Madeline was born April 30, 1921, in Harpursville, NY, the youngest of eleven children but lived to be the oldest passing at age 96.    As a teenager, Madeline moved to Massena, NY, where she met and married Preston Pickering with whom she had two daughters.  Upon his untimely death at 27, she returned to the Binghamton area, where she had various jobs while raising her children as a single mom.  During this difficult time, she met and married Leonard Steele with whom she had a step-son and two daughters, one of whom died at 5 months, Yvonne Lee.  Following Leonard’s death in 1981, she married a former high school classmate, Ralph Morley. They enjoyed life as a retired couple in Florida and New York until his passing.  Madeline is survived by her loving daughters, Judy Pickering Lawhon (Charles, deceased), Jane Pickering Stebela (Michael), Darlene Steele Brown (Marvin), and step-son Leonard Walter Steele, Jr. (Joyce).  She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren:  Karen Brown Cunningham (David) and Steven Brown (Jamie), Laura Lawhon Matthews (Tracy) and Charles Martin Lawhon (Melissa).  She was also blessed to have 6 great-grandchildren:  Tyler Cox, Brandon and Preston Lawhon, Abigail and Caleb Cunningham, Emma Rose Brown and Josie Grace Brown all of whom she loved dearly.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who thought highly of their Aunt Madeline.  For most of her life, Madeline was a traditional stay-at-home mom and performed her household duties with excellence.  She was a wonderful cook and was known for her delicious pies and beautiful deviled eggs for church suppers.  Madeline’s life ethos was to do every task to the best of her ability.  She was also known as a meticulous housekeeper, seamstress, and flower gardener.  A spotless home, perfectly matched outfits, and weed-free landscaping were trademarks throughout her life.  To know Madeline Davall Morley was to admire her tireless work ethic, her desire for perfection in all that she did including living a Christian life.  Faithful church attendance, daily devotions, and reading the entire Bible several times kept her focused on her most important goal of attaining eternal life.  This quiet, yet passionate desire, has made a lasting impact on her family and friends.  We love you, Mom, for all the things you were, for all your hopes and dreams for us, and for your tireless effort at being the best person you could be.  You will live in our hearts and memories forever.  Rest in peace now, Mom, for your work on earth is finally done.

Friends and family are invited to Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home, 69-71 Maple Street, Harpursville, on Friday, September 15, from 10 to 11a.m. to see Madeline and her family.  Everyone is also invited to attend the funeral service at 11a.m. with the burial service at the Riverview Cemetery, Harpursville to follow.  Online condolences may be made at www.omaddenfh.com.

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