Gwendolyn Hemphill Steed passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at her residence in Madison at the age of 95. She was born on August 5, 1930, in Money, Mississippi, to Judge Roy and Velma Hemphill. She spent her younger years in Money until the family moved to Winona, Mississippi. In high school in Winona Gwen excelled in sports and developed a love of horses. She had a unique ability to work with young horses and began training and showing Tennessee walking horses after high school, winning many awards. Her love of horses continued throughout her life.
In Winona Gwen met and married Herbert Lee Steed. Together they had three children, Lee (Susie), Linda Sue, and Roy (Dawn). The Steed family attended First Baptist Church of Winona. In 2001 the family moved to Madison, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings Marshall Hemphill, Roy Douglas Hemphill, Nell Hemphill Herring. She is survived by her children and grandchildren Matthew and Brennan Steed and Amy Heard (Stewart) and daughter Harlee Heard, stepson Ronald Everett Steed and his children Anna and Bubba.
Gwen was a kind and gentle person who was loved by everyone who knew her. The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers and Gentiva Hospice staff. A very special thanks to Erica Clark, who was with us throughout Gwen’s lengthy illness and rarely left her side.
A graveside service be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery in Winona. Rev. Terry Corley will officiate the service.
Much love to Lee, Linda Sue and Roy. Your Mother was a very special person in my life. Think of her often and the fun times we had at Simmons Jewelry.