Norma Gertrude (Omstead) Seely went to be with our Lord and Savior on Jan. 25, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. She wanted to remain here on earth, but also wanted to join her beloved husband, Arthur Jerome (Art) Seely St., who went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sept. 16, 2001. She passed away after a very gallant struggle at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Art and Norma are now rejoicing in heaven !
She was born in Wardville, Okla., on Nov. 30, 1920, to Ellis Grant Omstead and Jephy Gertrude (McCormack) Omstead. She grew up in Coal County, Okla., and graduated from Colgate High School. She went on to attend East Central Oklahoma State College (now University) in Ada, Okla. She and her sister, Leona Ready, frequently sang for radio programs, churches, and various other gatherings.
Her first teaching assignment was in the elementary school in Lamesa, Texas. After the first year, her parents had moved to Sanger, Texas. One afternoon, Norma’s father asked Art’s father if he could help Norma find a place to live in Denton, so she could complete her bachelor’s degree. Art’s father was sure that Art could assist her, since Art had lived in Denton several years.
One Sunday afternoon, Norma and Art met. Norma was already a friend of Art’s two sisters, Helen and Joy. SO the romance began. By Wednesday evening, Art had asked her to be his life-long mate. And they were married in the First Baptist Church of Sanger by Pastor Luther Greer on that coming Saturday morning at 10 a.m. That marriage lasted 55 years and two days (until Art went to be with our Heavenly Father.)
Norma graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Texas State Teachers College (now, the University of North Texas). After Art Jr. was born, she returned to Texas Woman’s University to receive her Master’s degree in Education. Her teaching assignments were at the (former) Center Point School (teaching music), the old Sam Houston Elementary School (next to UNT) teaching third grade, and Frank Borman Elementary School (teaching second and third grades.)
Mrs. Seely taught by example with love. Her teachings and legacy will be long remembered by all those who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Seeley were both proud of their many students, their families and their successes. They both felt that teaching was their ‘calling’ and their ministry.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denton, the Dorcas Sunday School class, Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Teaching Society, and various other organizations. She remained active as long as her physical being would allow.
Besides a host of friends and former students, she is survived by her only child, Arthur J. Seely, Jr. and his wife, Renae, of Denton; their only grandchild, Arthur J. (A.J.) Seely, III, of Denton; one sister, Leona Ready and her husband, James of Sanger; and one niece, Nora (Ready) Nelson and her husband Kyle, and their two children, Steven and Lauren, of Sanger. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur J. Seely; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Omstead; and one brother, Eugene Grant Omstead (who went to be with the Lord before Norma was born).
Her funeral service will be held on Monday, Jan. 28, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Denton at 3:30 p.m. Burial will follow at the Sanger Cemetery. The family will be available for visitation on Sunday afternoon, the 27th, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home. The family is very grateful for the many prayers, calls and thoughts that have been extended during Mrs. Seely’s relatively brief illness.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz & Son Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Denton Senior Adult Bus fund, or a memorial of your choice.
Art Jr. and his family are extremely appreciative of the many, many extensions of kindness during the past few months !
Published in the Denton Record Chronicle on 21/27/2002
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