Cora Bell Seals

Cora Seals passed away at her home on May 25, 2024. Memorial services will take place St. Paul United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

MY LADY OF 80

By David W. Seals, Jr.

December 7th – to some,

The date lives in infamy,

To me – it’s much different,

A date that birthed my Mommy,

You're a Mom, friend, teacher,

And counselor, amongst other things

One of God’s blessed creatures,

An Earthly Angel without wings,

When I ponder my life,

And how I got to this juncture,

It’s due to you and my Pop,

I'm a perfect 50/50 mixture,

Dad was the foundation, Mixing bowl and the oven,

You provided the ingredients,

Skillfully mixed with lots of lovin',

From my earliest of days,

You were always there,

Together at home or work,

I was always in your hair,

With that much time,

We had plenty of it to rap,

And when rapping didn't work,

I knew next came “the strap” (I watched my step),

But don't get me wrong,

Being mean was never your deal,

You simply lived by the code,

“If you can't hear – you can feel”,

You taught me to think,

Corrected me when I was mistaken,

Sometimes I taught you too,

Like the trip we discussed the “proper eating of bacon”,

I guess we weren't rich,

But I never knew a cold winter,

Was never hungry – meals were treats,

Chicken/eggs/biscuits - my favorite “breakfast for dinner”,

You've been there when I needed you,

And even times I thought I didn't,

Whatever frigidity life threw at me,

You were there with warm Mama Mittens,

Like when over something petty,

I kinda wanted to run away,

You asked to go with me,

That was the right thing to say (it took the pain away),

Sometimes experiences you forced,

Made me think, “How dare you…,”

But time verified your wisdom,

I've had no choice but to share you,

With those who I meet,

To keep all – I'd be greedy,

You and Pop are my greatest resources,

The perfect salve for the needy,

See that’s what you do Ma,

It’s your talent – your mission,

You have the Midas Touch,

You can make a dull soul glisten,

You can change a sad clown’s expression,

You're the professor and counselor of life’s lessons,

Always battling hate and aggression,

And you know when to listen,

Though I was the only at home,

Your guidance fit like a glove,

Never spoiled me with things,

Just an abundance of love,

Yes, I'm the only by birth,

That’s a mere formality,

I have sisters and brothers, (all sizes – all colors),

As far as the eye can see,

‘Cause you never met a child,

You didn't like or want to help,

It’s one of your secrets to success,

As quiet as it’s kept,

I hope through the recitation,

Of my inner machinations,

You feel the full expression,

Of my love and affection,

And though I'm not lyrically blessed,

With a silky smooth flow,

Just saying you've had 80 great years,

I’m praying you have 80 mo’.

Finally, in lieu of flowers, I'm requesting folks donate to either:

Cora Wade Seals Scholarship Foundation https://gofund.me/2aa4980f

or American Heart Association, 

or Salvation Army, 

or Red Cross.

Please leave your photos/memories to share, condolences and words of encouragement for the family on Ms. Seals Tribute Wall by clicking the Tribute Wall tab above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cora Bell Seals, please visit our floral store.