Obituary

Dr. Angela T. Seaton was born on October 13, 1948 to the late Hortense E. Beckett Grant in Baltimore, MD. She was nurtured and reared by her aunt, the late Elizabeth Staley, who placed a strong emphasis on hard work, morals, and educational and family values. Following a brief illness, she suddenly transitioned this life on August 1, 2020.

Being the great granddaughter of a Baptist Minister, she was a lifelong Christian. While her journey of faith began in the Baptist Church, she was baptized and subsequently confirmed at St Katherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church. It was during her confirmation process that her Godmother, the late Mayo E. Williams, conferred with her mother to adopt the saint name of Teresa. Thus, at the age of nine, she became Angela Teresa Grant.

She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). During her youth, Angela aspired to become a nurse and read a plethora of books about nursing. However, her Kindergarten teacher informed her mother that Angela had a penchant for education and leadership. In fact, on her first quarter report, Ms. Rosemond remarked, “Angela is a very good leader and often leads in storytelling, dramatization, and discussing the calendar.”

In 1966, Angela graduated from Eastern High School. She subsequently received her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Coppin State University in 1972. Her passion for students led her to receive advanced certification in special education and educational leadership. She returned to Coppin State University earning a Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education in 1994. Angela completed the BCPSS Aspiring Leaders’ Program to earn her School Administration Certification in 2000. Angela furthered her studies and received her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Special Education degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2010.

Angela began her career with the City Schools as a Special Education teacher in 1972 until becoming an ARD Manager in 1984. After joining City Schools’ Central Office Staff as an ARD Chairperson in 1993, she transitioned several times with each position earning additional responsibilities and respect until ultimately becoming the principal of Francis M. Wood High School from which she retired in 2013. During retirement, she often used her extraordinary educational experience to assist former co-workers by taking on short term assignments, such as – Adjunct Instructor/Clinical Supervisor at Coppin State University along with Acting Director and other Administrative Assignments for City Schools.

Angela used her educational proficiencies to enrich the lives of thousands of City Schools’ students and their families. In addition, these same experiences influenced her to become an exemplary example for her family, co-workers, and many friends.

On August 26, 1967, she married William J. Seaton, a physical education teacher and her high school sweetheart. From this union, their son, Wade William Seaton was born. Throughout their marriage, she and William were exemplary parents as well as a true inspiration for others. They remained together more than 47 years. Following his passing, Angela constantly spoke of the pain and void she felt by his demise.

Angela loved God, her husband, her son, her family, and “people”. She loved attending church and being a faithful servant to the Lord. As a child she attended church and continued this practice by attending church with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. As an active church member of St Katherine of Alexandria and later The Church of St Michael of All Angels, she was passionate and conscientious about attending Bible Study, participating in faith education leadership, and served on the Vestry in many capacities including Sr. Warden. Her membership and involvement in the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) ranged from active member to acquiring the position as president of the Maryland State Chapter; a position she held until her health no longer allowed her to serve.

Angela leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Wade William Seaton; daughter-in-law, Tara Ivana Seaton; granddaughter, Taylor Ivana Seaton; grandson, Jeremy William Seaton; 8 siblings – Joseph Jackson (Adele), Renee Freeman, Emily Tilley (Sterling), Carol Grant, Phyllis Baynham, Howard Grant, Karen Grant, Keith Hargraves, and a host of nieces, nephews, God-children, family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Joshua Seaton, Jr., her mother, Hortense E. Beckett Grant, and her aunt, Elizabeth Staley who played a significant role in her life. Her siblings – Earl Miles and Katherine Grant also preceded her in death.

There are in the end three things that last: Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of these is Love. I Corinthians 13:13

Though your heart must hold deep sadness right now, may it also hold the blessings of the love that will always be a part of you...

Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and soothe your sorrow.