Commission accepts executrix’s resignation in Anna Marie Jeffords estate; surviving husband to qualify as personal representative

The Berkeley County Commission on July 8 accepted the resignation of Donna Lee Steiner as personal representative (executrix) of the estate of Anna Marie Jeffords and indicated the commission would allow the surviving husband, Steven Jeffords, to qualify to administer the estate.

County fiduciary staff outlined the procedural history: Anna Marie Jeffords died March 18, 2025. On April 17 the decedent’s daughter, Angela Lynn Bechtel (listed in the record), had qualified as administrator and posted bond of $120,000 through an insurance surety. On April 22, a will was presented to the fiduciary office naming Donna Lee Steiner as executrix; that will altered the representation of the estate and changed who controlled probate assets. Conflicting filings and communications followed, and both the husband and the executrix filed petitions relating to control of the estate and the personal-representative role.

Steven Jeffords spoke at the hearing and said he was being harassed by the decedent’s daughter and that sentimental items had been removed from the decedent’s home; he said he wanted to be appointed as the estate’s personal representative to stop the alleged conduct and regain control of the property. Counsel for Steiner, Patrick Henry, said Steiner filed a petition to withdraw and had completed an interim settlement of accounts; Henry asked the commission to accept a resignation rather than characterize the action as a “removal,” noting a resignation has a neutral connotation.

The commission voted to accept Donna Lee Steiner’s resignation as personal representative and instructed that appropriate documents be completed; the county fiduciary said it would issue a written order by the end of the day to memorialize the action. County staff noted that because the surviving husband is the sole beneficiary under the will, he would not have to post bond to qualify as personal representative under the facts presented.

The fiduciary office also noted that the real estate associated with the estate may be subject to debt and that creditors’ claims and insolvency status had been considered in earlier interim settlement discussion. The commission did not enter judgment on disputed claims at the meeting; it accepted the resignation and directed staff to prepare the formal order and paperwork for any qualification by the surviving spouse.

No additional evidentiary findings beyond those summarized in the fiduciary presentation were recorded in the public hearing record at the meeting.