Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 20, 2025

Lorie Steinhagen Lindsley, 56, of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully on July 20, 2025 after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on October 28, 1968, in Kettering, Ohio, to Bill and Cheryl Steinhagen, Lorie moved with her family to Cary, North Carolina, at the age of five. She spent her formative years there, cultivating the quiet strength, compassion, and determination that would define her life.

A gifted student, Lorie graduated as valedictorian of the Cary High School Class of 1987. She went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business. Her love for learning and commitment to justice led her to remain in Chapel Hill to pursue her law degree.

After completing law school, Lorie practiced family law for five years with Kilpatrick Stockton in Winston-Salem, NC. It was during this time that a mutual friend introduced her to the new associate pastor at a church in nearby Lexington. Their connection was immediate. A year after their first date, Lorie and Steve were engaged; and in October 1999, they were married.

Shortly afterward, Lorie transitioned into a role as an assistant district attorney for Forsyth County NC, where she served until the birth of her second son, choosing then to devote herself to raising her young family. During that time she discovered a deep love for teaching, and over the ensuing years touched the lives of countless children as both a dedicated substitute teacher and a beloved preschool educator.

Lorie’s compassion extended to all creatures. A devoted volunteer with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control, she regularly visited the shelter to walk and care for the dogs - offering them not just exercise, but dignity and affection. She had a special place in her heart for senior animals and those often overlooked for adoption. Over time, many of the animals Lorie encountered didn’t just find their way into her heart but also the Lindsley home (her only significant failure in life - “foster fail” - was one her family never complained about). As with all areas of her life, Lorie was drawn to the most vulnerable, offering them the same quiet love and presence that defined her character.

Lorie is survived by her husband, Steve, and their sons, Connor and Hunter; as well as pets Sunny, Tam, Bindi, Jeri, and Teaberry. She is also survived by her parents, Bill and Cheryl Steinhagen, and her sibling, Bryan Steinhagen.

A service of gratitude and remembrance for Lorie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 1:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC; the Reverends Rebecca Heilman-Campbell and Nick Cheek officiating.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Lorie’s life and continue the causes she held dear, the family has established The Lorie Lindsley Compassionate Hearts Legacy Fund. Those wishing to make a memorial gift can learn more at www.lorieslegacy.org. Memorial contributions may also be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control.

Other ways to honor Lorie’s life - be kind to all people, let empathy take root in your heart, speak out against injustice, be especially attentive to the needs of the vulnerable (two-legged and four-legged), and always lead with love.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.