Gwendolyn Kelley Seals

After graduating from Harrison High School in Chicago, Illinois, Gwen followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the United States Armed Forces. She was among the last generation of women to be inducted into the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) before the separate corps was disbanded to become the gender-inclusive US Army we know today. Upon her honorable discharge, Gwen remained in Washington DC, where she had been stationed, and worked as a secretary for the United States government.

Eventually, Gwen returned to Chicago where she met and married Jimmie Lee Kelley in June of 1966. Together they raised two beautiful children, Brett, and Lesa.

After her youngest child became school-aged, Gwen decided to enroll in college to pursue a career in social work. By 1981, she had received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Jane Addams School of Social Work. During her thirty-five-year career as a licensed clinical social worker, Gwen served as a field instructor for the University of Illinois, and the University of Chicago Social Work master's programs. Her passion for helping others largely contributed to her success as she continued working to help families and children until she retired at the age of seventy-seven years old.

Accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young child growing up in church, Gwen had a deep and profound spiritual side. She rededicated her life to Christ when she converted to Catholicism over 60 years ago and has used God’s promise as her guiding light ever since.

A loving mother, devoted grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gwen enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved cooking traditional holiday meals and was very discretionary when it came to sharing her recipes (if she shared one with you, consider yourself special). She also enjoyed watching sports, ALL sports, but especially tennis. Another passion was listening to audiobooks. She would spend hours enthralled in fantasy fiction where her imagination could fully stretch. Most of all, she loved God and prayed for her family and friends regularly. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and helping others. However, she was a stern believer in people holding themselves accountable for their own actions, often saying, “What you permit, you promote”. So, in her honor, I encourage you to keep this in mind as you go about your daily lives.

On May 29, 2023, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Gwen was called home to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Manuela Wiggins Taylor and Abner “Frank” Franklin White, Jr.

Her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, Brett Franklin Kelley, and Lesa Anne Kelley; grandchildren, Cincinmia Alexandria Tucker, Malcolm Ayden Kelley, Brittany Sade Kelley, Zoey Naomi Kelley, Isabella Nova Kelley; great-grandchildren, A’Zhante Marques Tucker, A’Zharia Malaya Tucker, Cherece A’Maryea Carter, Cherelle Safiya Carter, Jeremiah Caleb Carter, Tommy Lavelle Franklin, Jr., Apollo Jim Evans, Sakura Mae Kelley; sisters, Buena Vista Browder, Dinah Lee White; nieces, Tracey Browder, Zelda Taylor, Michelle Browder; nephews, Quinn Savage, Stephen Browder, Hasan Qaiyim along with a host of treasured grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and friends.

May her soul rest in peace with the Lord.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8th, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home located at 4727 W. 103rd Street in Oak Lawn, Illinois. On Friday, June 9th at the funeral home, there will be a Wake from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at St. Casimir Cemetery, 4401 W. 111th Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Seals family.