We gather today to celebrate the life of Donella Graham Seabrook, a lifelong educator and social leader. Donella was born to Dr. Donald and Mrs. Essie Mae Graham in Clayton, Alabama in 1921 where she and her family resided for a short period of time before moving to Cuthbert, Georgia. Her father was a practicing dentist and her mother was a music educator. Donella was always an outstanding student in school. She matriculated at Morris Brown College in Atlanta where she not only excelled at her studies but was placed in a very responsible position as a student secretary to the president of the university.
Donella completed her Masters degree at Clark Atlanta University. She began her teaching career as an assistant professor at Savannah State College where she supervised the training of students for teaching careers as coordinator of the student teaching program. During her tenure there, Donella was initiated into the graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she was elected and served as president for 1954 and 1955.
Donella met and married Alvin Seabrook in 1953. They moved to California in 1955 and made Los Angeles their home. In 1959, they welcomed daughter, Tammara Anne.
Donella taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District and took additional graduate work at the University of Southern California. She retired from teaching in 1984 after a laudable 30-year career teaching kindergarten at 42nd St. school. Because her contributions were so wide and varied the superintendent attended her retirement celebration hoping he could persuade her to put off retirement for three years. His efforts were futile! Donella had plans for her time post retirement, including volunteering with her precious Delta Sisters of Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter, National Association of University Women, Friendly Educators, St. Bernadette Seniors, The CCC Social Club and the Alpha Wives.
Donella was a fun-loving individual who loved to have a good time. During her lifetime she hosted many fabulous parties and instilled in her daughter -a talent for the same.
Donella loved card parties of all kinds and was a member of both Bridge and Bid Whist clubs. Her home was a great source of pride for her. She had a flair for interior design and her southern-bred hospitality made her home an unforgettable place where everyone felt welcome. Additionally, Donella was a passionate fashionista and avid shopper. Her wardrobe was always coordinated and in the best taste and elegance.
Al and Donella loved to travel and Donella particularly enjoyed a good cruise or a trip to Las Vegas where Lady Luck was her particular friend!
Donella lived to be 99 years young. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband Alvin, her dutiful daughter Tammara Seabrook-Anderson, and two industrious grandsons David and Ross Anderson.
In addition, her extended family includes the Curry‘s of Los Angeles, California via Birmingham, Alabama; her two nieces Mary Cecile Hill of Savannah, Georgia and Candace M. May of Redford, Michigan; as well as her sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and her FAME (First African Methodist Episcopal Church) family.
Let us all join together as her family and friends to celebrate the life and the legacy of this woman who exemplified all the best parts of being a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
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