Ms. BERDIE MAE STEVE

Berdie Steve, 79, of the Bogue Homa Community, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Mississippi. Born on December 18, 1946, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to the late Riley and Zonie (Nickey) Thomas, she dedicated much of her life to serving her people and preserving Choctaw traditions.

Ms. Steve served with distinction as Tribal Council Representative for the Bogue Homa Community. First elected in 1999, she was recently re-elected to her fifth term, serving under the administrations of Chief Phillip Martin, Miko Beasley Denson, Chief Phyllis Anderson, and current Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. She was also a skilled basket weaver, admired for her distinctive style and fine craftsmanship.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Imogene Thompson, Bernice Frazier, and Vernita Thomas; and her brothers Dorsey Thomas, Billy Wayne Thomas, and Olen Thomas. She is survived by her children Kevin Steve, Cherie Steve, Cheryl Steve, and Kimberly Steve; thirteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.