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Maria A. Seastrunk | August 30, 2014 |

Maria A. Seastrunk
August 30, 2014

photo of Maria A. Seastrunk
photo of Maria A. Seastrunk
This courageous woman made her transition from this life to eternal life on early Saturday morning, August 30, 2014. Maria Annette Green started her humble beginnings in Steelton Pennsylvania on November 22, 1926. An only child, she was the apple of her parents' eyes, especially her mother, the late Carrie B. Graves. Her formal education was at the Steelton High School and Thompson Business College.

Sister Maria Green was an active member of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Steelton Pennsylvania. One of her church missions, becoming a pen pal and writing to service members, ultimately led to marriage.

On August 22, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio Sister Maria Green and Brother Clinton A. Seastrunk began their life journey as one in holy matrimony. Shortly after Brother Seastrunk was honorably discharged from the Army, they settled down in Providence, RI and became members of the Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of the late Elder Martin. They later worshiped at Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, under numerous pastors including, the late Elder Irving, the late Elder Neil and the late Elder Clarence Farrow.

In the early morning of April 13, 1949 Sister Seastrunk gave birth to a son that was the namesake of her husband, Clinton A. Seastrunk, Jr. She expanded her housewife duties to working outside of the home as a seamstress for the prestigious Sax's Dress Shop in downtown Providence. One day, while working in the backroom of the shop, Maria asked to assume the window dressing duties for a co-worker that was out sick. The owners obliged, making Maria Seastrunk, in the 1950s, the first African-American window dresser in the state of Rhode Island. The fruits of their labor allowed the Seastrunk family to be blessed with purchasing two stores, Maria's Grocery Store and Clint's Variety. Her retail experience increased at the largest bridal gown store in the city of Providence, The Sorority Shop. Her duties included sales, bookkeeping, inventory, shipping and receiving, advertising and her personal passion, sewing.

In the early 60s the Seastrunk's became the God parents of LaJune Belcher. For almost a decade, they assisted in raising her. In the late 60s the Seastrunk's, along with the Farrow and Belcher families founded Holy Cross Church of God in Christ. They purchased the Knight Street church, served there for almost a decade before it was set on fire in 1971. In 1972, they moved to the Broad Street location where years later she assumed the role of Mother Seastrunk. In 1980, Clinton and Maria Seastrunk became foster parents to LaShon Lee Belcher and LaRessa Jean Belcher. They later adopted both girls.

Being community and civic-minded, Mother Seastrunk worked for the State School Lunch Program until she retired in June 1994. She was also a member of the Starbirth Association Advisory Board, the Red Hat Club and was a liaison to the American Heart Association and LifeSpan.

To remain busy, upon retirement, and connected to the community, Mother Seastrunk became a store greeter at Zayre/Ames Discount Department Store. With frequent customers, Mother Seastrunk found a way to minister and invite them to her church, always putting God first. Mother Seastrunk worked in any capacity where her support was needed.

Mother Seastrunk was appointed Jurisdictional Supervisor in 1994. Mother Seastrunk was the longest serving state supervisor in Rhode Island, serving for almost 20 years. During her tenure, she also served under Mother Willie Mae Rivers, General Supervisor of the COGIC Women's Department.

In 1999, Mother Seastrunk was honored to serve under a new Jurisdictional Prelate of Rhode Island, Bishop Harvey L. Lewis, Sr. Under Bishop Lewis, she lovingly mentored Mother Jacquelyn Lindsey Wynn, Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor #1 and Lady Frances Brown, Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor #2. Under Pastor Eugene Kinlow, Mother served as church Mother of All Nations COGIC until her transition.

Preceding her in death is one daughter, LaRessa Jean Seastrunk. Mother Seastrunk leaves her husband of 66 years, Elder Clinton A. Seastrunk, Sr.; one son Clinton (April) Anderson Seastrunk, Jr.; two daughters, LaJune (Ronald) Banjo-Gadson, and LaShon (McKell) Seastrunk Beamon; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Calling hours will be Friday from 5 to 8pm at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Her funeral will be held Saturday at 10am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 375 Broad Street, Providence. Burial will be at Swan Point Cemetery.

 

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This courageous woman made her transition from this life to eternal life on early Saturday morning, August 30, 2014. Maria Annette Green started her humble beginnings in Steelton Pennsylvania on November 22, 1926. An only child, she was the apple of her parents' eyes, especially her mother, the late Carrie B. Graves. Her formal education was at the Steelton High School and Thompson Business College.

Sister Maria Green was an active member of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Steelton Pennsylvania. One of her church missions, becoming a pen pal and writing to service members, ultimately led to marriage.

On August 22, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio Sister Maria Green and Brother Clinton A. Seastrunk began their life journey as one in holy matrimony. Shortly after Brother Seastrunk was honorably discharged from the Army, they settled down in Providence, RI and became members of the Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of the late Elder Martin. They later worshiped at Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, under numerous pastors including, the late Elder Irving, the late Elder Neil and the late Elder Clarence Farrow.

In the early morning of April 13, 1949 Sister Seastrunk gave birth to a son that was the namesake of her husband, Clinton A. Seastrunk, Jr. She expanded her housewife duties to working outside of the home as a seamstress for the prestigious Sax's Dress Shop in downtown Providence. One day, while working in the backroom of the shop, Maria asked to assume the window dressing duties for a co-worker that was out sick. The owners obliged, making Maria Seastrunk, in the 1950s, the first African-American window dresser in the state of Rhode Island. The fruits of their labor allowed the Seastrunk family to be blessed with purchasing two stores, Maria's Grocery Store and Clint's Variety. Her retail experience increased at the largest bridal gown store in the city of Providence, The Sorority Shop. Her duties included sales, bookkeeping, inventory, shipping and receiving, advertising and her personal passion, sewing.

In the early 60s the Seastrunk's became the God parents of LaJune Belcher. For almost a decade, they assisted in raising her. In the late 60s the Seastrunk's, along with the Farrow and Belcher families founded Holy Cross Church of God in Christ. They purchased the Knight Street church, served there for almost a decade before it was set on fire in 1971. In 1972, they moved to the Broad Street location where years later she assumed the role of Mother Seastrunk. In 1980, Clinton and Maria Seastrunk became foster parents to LaShon Lee Belcher and LaRessa Jean Belcher. They later adopted both girls.

Being community and civic-minded, Mother Seastrunk worked for the State School Lunch Program until she retired in June 1994. She was also a member of the Starbirth Association Advisory Board, the Red Hat Club and was a liaison to the American Heart Association and LifeSpan.

To remain busy, upon retirement, and connected to the community, Mother Seastrunk became a store greeter at Zayre/Ames Discount Department Store. With frequent customers, Mother Seastrunk found a way to minister and invite them to her church, always putting God first. Mother Seastrunk worked in any capacity where her support was needed.

Mother Seastrunk was appointed Jurisdictional Supervisor in 1994. Mother Seastrunk was the longest serving state supervisor in Rhode Island, serving for almost 20 years. During her tenure, she also served under Mother Willie Mae Rivers, General Supervisor of the COGIC Women's Department.

In 1999, Mother Seastrunk was honored to serve under a new Jurisdictional Prelate of Rhode Island, Bishop Harvey L. Lewis, Sr. Under Bishop Lewis, she lovingly mentored Mother Jacquelyn Lindsey Wynn, Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor #1 and Lady Frances Brown, Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor #2. Under Pastor Eugene Kinlow, Mother served as church Mother of All Nations COGIC until her transition.

Preceding her in death is one daughter, LaRessa Jean Seastrunk. Mother Seastrunk leaves her husband of 66 years, Elder Clinton A. Seastrunk, Sr.; one son Clinton (April) Anderson Seastrunk, Jr.; two daughters, LaJune (Ronald) Banjo-Gadson, and LaShon (McKell) Seastrunk Beamon; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Calling hours will be Friday from 5 to 8pm at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Her funeral will be held Saturday at 10am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 375 Broad Street, Providence. Burial will be at Swan Point Cemetery.

Keefe Funeral Home
5 Higginson Avenue
Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865

Thomas H. Keefe, Registered Funeral Director

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