Daphne Sue Jurney

Daphne Sue (Seale) Jurney, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

Sue was born on March 29, 1935, in Chireno, Texas, the sixth of seven children of the late Ellis Seale and Kathryn (Murry) Seale. On December 21,1951, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Wallace Jurney, with whom she shared nearly 53 wonderful years until his passing. A proud graduate of Nacogdoches High School, Class of 1953, Sue devoted many years of service as a faithful employee of the Nacogdoches Independent School District.

From a young age, Sue gave her heart to Christ and devoted her life to following His teachings. She was a woman of deep faith whose quiet strength and unwavering love touched countless lives. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend. To many, she was also a trusted Bible teacher who lived as a daily example of God’s grace.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth, and all six of her siblings: Johnny Seale, Ruth Seale Drinkwater, Oleta Seale Stewart, Ellis Seale, Kurth Seale, and Rosemary Seale Grider.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Debra Lynn Lytle and husband Mark, Stephen Kenneth Jurney, Pamela Sue Heath and husband Joe, and Gary Wayne Jurney and wife Terrie.

She was the proud grandmother of eight: Leigh Ann Wells, Stephanie Walker and husband J.T., Sara Watson and husband Joey, Blake Heath and wife Savannah, Jarrod Heath and wife Lisa, Melissa Szymanowski and husband Titus, Ben Jurney and wife Taylor, and Laura Jurney. She was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren—Hannah Arteritano, Caleb Hayes, McKenna Walker, Clara Padelford, Ahnika Padelford, Cooper Padelford, Cody Padelford, Layla Heath, Ivory Heath, Lincoln Heath, Noah Heath, Daphne Heath, Eli Szymanowski, Ezra Szymanowski, Nora Szymanowski, Reese Szymanowski, Henry Jurney, and Luca Jurney—and four great-great-grandchildren: Joseph Arteritano, Savannah Arteritano, Kenneth Arteritano, and Alexander Hayes. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends who became like family.

Sue’s life was a testimony of what God can do through a heart fully surrendered to Him. She cherished her family and friends deeply, yet faced the end of her earthly journey without fear, resting in the confident hope of her eternal home with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Her funeral service will be held in the chapel of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Visitation will be prior to service time, starting at 10:00 am. Tuesday. Sue will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, beside her beloved husband, Kenneth, immediately following the service. The family has a reception planned at approximately 1:00 PM at University Church, North Street, Nacogdoches.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.