Dorothy Lee Beard Seaton's Obituary
Dorothy Lee Beard Seaton, 91 passed away August 4, 2016. She was born July 25, 1925 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her childhood home was at 2102 Carr Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. She was a graduate of Memphis Technical (Tech) High School, and she married her childhood sweetheart, William Hafford Seaton on April 18, 1944. She is survived by her son, William Glenn Seaton; daughter, Diane Seaton Caramante; and grandchildren, William David Seaton, Katharine Ann Seaton, William Mark Racht, Kristen Lee Racht, and Abigail Racht Gaither. She was bookkeeper and office manager until her husband finished college, then full time homemaker and mother. After living in several communities before Bill received his doctorate in chemistry, her young family eventually settled in Kingsport, Tennessee, where they resided for 44 years, attended First Broad Street United Methodist Church, then later moved to Franklin, Tennessee to be near her daughter and grandchildren, and most recently to Jupiter, Florida to stay near her daughter. She was a devoted daughter who adored her parents, protective and adoring sister who watched over her brothers as much as they watched over her. Dedicated wife to her husband of 61 years, in love with him just as much the day he died as she had been when they married. She was a loving mother who taught her children how to be the kind and loving person she was and of course she continued to watch over and worry for them till her dying breath. She helped establish a clinic at the local elementary school and trained as a Red Cross volunteer to serve in the clinic. Mrs. Seaton was the East Tennessee representative for the Experiment in International Living from 1964 to 1974. During this time she directed the visits of many groups from foreign countries to the Tri-Cities area, as well as hosting ambassadors from various nations. She had a wonderful and often self-deprecating sense of humor; turning many moments of awkwardness into memories and laughter. Happiest Day of Her Life? . . . Who knows? When asked by the nurses what she wanted written on the board in her hospital room to tell other caregivers about her, she said, “I’ve had the best life ever.” Dorothy’s hope for Heaven: To be reunited with her mom and dad, brothers and most importantly her husband of 61 years. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m., Saturday, August 6 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 a.m. before going to graveside services at 10 a.m., Sunday, August 7 in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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