Shirley "dugie" Ann Seal

Shirley was born 'at a very young age' in Lansing, Michigan. She was the youngest of 4 children born to June Elizabeth (Colenso) and Richard Alden Gokee. Patty and Billy died at birth and the third child was her brother, Donald, who she remained close to her whole life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Roy Seal, her parents, and her brother, Dr. Donald Leroy Gokee (Maxine) from Orlando FL. Shirley is survived by her two children; David Richard Seal (Melanie) and Jamie-Sue Seal Eiseler (Kirk), plus 3 grandchildren; Tyler Trescott Seal, Abigail Elizabeth Seal and Brody Roy Seal. She has in-laws living in Portland, MI and Florida as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley's nickname was "dugie" given to her by her brother, Donald, and she lived the majority of her life in Lansing. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1952, and attended Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga TN studying Music and Bible. Shirley worked for various departments of the State in Michigan and 9-1/2 years at Michigan State University at Lyman Briggs College. Later, she worked as the Director of the Women's Ministry at the City Rescue Mission and then as a volunteer. Working with the homeless women was one of her greatest joys. Missions was her favorite interest, both local and global.

Shirley married Marvin Roy Seal in July 1960. Her grandmother always told her "She got a good one!", but she never passed the same compliment to Marvin!

Shirley was motivated by her studies in the ESV Bible, a gift from her brother, Donald. In her later years, she challenged herself to memorize chapters of scripture. Psalm 121 was her first one to learn and she was challenged over a month and a half before she conquered it! She also memorized Psalm 1 in the NIV having known it as a child in the King James Version.

Genealogy, writing music, poetry, making greeting cards and pop-up books took up a lot of her time. She always felt sending a special handmade card to someone would be like sending them a hug because they were so special and would hopefully brighten their day. Making quiches for the shut-ins was another fulfilling pastime. Her and Marv probably made and delivered over 100 quiches.

She and her husband ministered in various capacities at South Church during their married life from nursery school to High School kids. Shirley was a member of South (Baptist) Church since childhood. She and her brother were brought to church as babies in bassinets and placed in the back pew while her Dad ushered and her Mom sang in the choir. Church was their foundation and friends were the cement. Dugie and Marv were also involved in ESL at Trinity Church with Asian students when the program was first initiated. Since it's conception, the group has grown to over 100 students and is now fully run by Trinity's church members.

Saxophone was her favorite instrument which she hoped one of her family members would take up. (She never gave up hope that one of them would). She loved decorating her house and making everything special during the holidays.

Her greatest joy was her family - especially her 3 grandchildren which she never could get enough of. She went on wonderful family trips with her husband, and Kirk and Jamie-Sue, and David and Melanie and their kids. She enjoyed parties and spending time with her friends. She loved discussing the Bible with her son, David, and listening to the musical talents of her daughter, Jamie-Sue, and daughter-in-law, Melanie. And last, she relished reminiscing on the phone with her brother, Donald.

Services for Shirley will be private. Interment is to take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery.