OBITUARY

Her Journey Began with Grace and Purpose

Virginia Ella Morgan-Seabrook was born on May 22, 1943, in Hickory, Mississippi, to the late Sim and Jasie Bell (Baldwin) Morgan. As the youngest of nine children, she was a cherished light in her family, growing up surrounded by love, faith, and the deep bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood. 

In 1953, Virginia and her family journeyed north, leaving their hometown of Hickory, Mississippi, to build new memories in Brotmanville, New Jersey. The family joined Friendship Baptist Church soon upon their arrival.

Blossoming Into Her Own

She attended Vineland High School, where she worked hard and graduated in 1962. Recognizing the value of hard work and eager to build a strong foundation, she traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi, to work and spend time with her cousin.

After nearly a year of missing her family, she returned home in May 1963, bringing with her new experiences and a deeper sense of purpose.

A Career Defined by Grace and Determination

Upon her return to New Jersey, Virginia applied and was hired at JJ Newberry Department Store on Landis Avenue in Vineland, NJ, becoming the first Black woman to work there as a salesperson. She spent over three years in that role before moving on to a better-paying position at Cleyon’s, where she worked for another three years. 

Seeking to further her skills, she enrolled in a six-month secretary course at S.C.O.P.E., Inc. Her dedication paid off when she passed the Civil Service exam, and in July 1973, was hired as a Clerk Typist at the Salem County Board of Social Services. Over the next 26 and a half years, she worked diligently, eventually retiring as a social worker on December 31, 1999.

But retirement didn’t suit Virginia — she had too much energy and a strong desire to contribute to her community.

In the summer of 2000, she took on a role with the United States Census Bureau, knocking on doors to collect household responses. She understood the significance of this work, knowing that accurate census data is essential for fair political representation and access to crucial funding for schools, her community, and infrastructure — all things she knew were important for her grandchildren and future generations.

By November, she had joined Boscov’s Department Store as a part-time salesperson. After leaving Boscov’s in May of 2001, Virginia began working at the Vineland Developmental Center, assisting residents in group homes. She remained there for three years before transitioning to a role with the Bridgeton Board of Education as a cafeteria aide, where she worked for two more years. This time, she finally decided to retire for good — at least from formal employment. 

Her Journey Began with Grace and Purpose

Virginia Ella Morgan-Seabrook was born on May 22, 1943, in Hickory, Mississippi, to the late Sim and Jasie Bell (Baldwin) Morgan. As the youngest of nine children, she was a cherished light in her family, growing up surrounded by love, faith, and the deep bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood. 

In 1953, Virginia and her family journeyed north, leaving their hometown of Hickory, Mississippi, to build new memories in Brotmanville, New Jersey. The family joined Friendship Baptist Church soon upon their arrival.

Blossoming Into Her Own

She attended Vineland High School, where she worked hard and graduated in 1962. Recognizing the value of hard work and eager to build a strong foundation, she traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi, to work and spend time with her cousin.

After nearly a year of missing her family, she returned home in May 1963, bringing with her new experiences and a deeper sense of purpose.

A Career Defined by Grace and Determination

Upon her return to New Jersey, Virginia applied and was hired at JJ Newberry Department Store on Landis Avenue in Vineland, NJ, becoming the first Black woman to work there as a salesperson. She spent over three years in that role before moving on to a better-paying position at Cleyon’s, where she worked for another three years. 

Seeking to further her skills, she enrolled in a six-month secretary course at S.C.O.P.E., Inc. Her dedication paid off when she passed the Civil Service exam, and in July 1973, was hired as a Clerk Typist at the Salem County Board of Social Services. Over the next 26 and a half years, she worked diligently, eventually retiring as a social worker on December 31, 1999.

But retirement didn’t suit Virginia — she had too much energy and a strong desire to contribute to her community.

In the summer of 2000, she took on a role with the United States Census Bureau, knocking on doors to collect household responses. She understood the significance of this work, knowing that accurate census data is essential for fair political representation and access to crucial funding for schools, her community, and infrastructure — all things she knew were important for her grandchildren and future generations.

By November, she had joined Boscov’s Department Store as a part-time salesperson. After leaving Boscov’s in May of 2001, Virginia began working at the Vineland Developmental Center, assisting residents in group homes. She remained there for three years before transitioning to a role with the Bridgeton Board of Education as a cafeteria aide, where she worked for two more years. This time, she finally decided to retire for good — at least from formal employment. 

Devoted to Her Church, Committed to Her Community

She became a devoted member of Union Baptist Temple on January 1, 2002, and remained active in the church until her passing. She was a beloved part of the congregation, serving faithfully as missionary and usher.

One way she was passionate to serve was by assisting her friend Vernetta Cottman in the Union Baptist Temple kitchen, preparing and serving meals for Strength at Noon Bible Study and other community gatherings.

Virginia served her community for over 30 years as a charter member of the Henrietta Woodard Temple #1169, Nora F. Taylor 2 Council 11, and the New Jersey State Association of IBPOE of the World.  

The Work of Love: Building a Home, Creating a Legacy

In November of 1970, she became a mother to Shawna Denise. She always knew her daughter was special, but one day, as she stood outside with family, she heard Shawna’s voice floating through the window. At that moment, Virginia knew her daughter had a gift straight from God. That voice would go on to bless not only their family but the entire community — filling churches with praise, uplifting gatherings, and bringing comfort to all who heard it. For Virginia, Shawna’s singing was a source of deep joy and a reminder of God’s presence in their lives. 

In March of 1994, Virginia’s world grew bigger and her heart even fuller when she became a grandmother for the first time. Then, in February of 1996, she was blessed once again. From the moment Kevin and Morgan were born, they became the lights of her life. Being their grandmother brought her endless joy, and she cherished every moment spent watching them grow, learn, and become the people they are today.

On July 14, 2001, she was married in holy matrimony to Carl C. Seabrook, Sr. Their love story was a beautiful testament to faith and companionship. Brought together through their deep roots in the community, they found comfort and joy in each other’s presence. Their marriage was built on mutual respect, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another. As they joined their lives, their families also came together, creating a beautiful bond filled with love, connection, and cherished new relationships.

Her Hands May Rest, But the Work She Did Speaks Forever

“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Virginia lived by these words, and her life was a testament to love, service, and dedication. She poured her heart into her family, her community, and all those she held dear.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of over 23 years, Carl C. Seabrook, Sr.; her beloved daughter, Shawna (Stacy) of Owings Mills, MD; and her cherished grandchildren, Kevin (Takara) of Columbus, OH, and Morgan of Pittsgrove, NJ. She also leaves behind her adopted granddaughter, Deja of Pittsgrove, NJ, and her bonus grandchildren, Zemira and Aaron of Owings Mills, MD.

Virginia's love extended beyond her immediate family, embracing her bonus children, Sandra (Dean) Satterfield of NC, Gwen Seabrook of Columbia, MD, Carol Green, and Sammy Seabrook of Bridgeton, NJ, Gretta Seabrook of Greensboro, NC.  She also held a special place in her heart for her 13 loving bonus grandchildren, 18 bonus great-grandchildren, and 19 bonus great-great-grandchildren, whose presence brought warmth and joy to her life.

She was a sister at heart to her sisters-in-law, Gloria Morgan of Pittsgrove, NJ, and Ethel Morgan of Rosenhayn, NJ, and a guiding presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews: Vanessa (Jay), Albert, Anthony (Lois), Mae (Lionel), Angie (Rick), Dan, Drusilla, Darnell, Shaneice, Rolanda, Roland, Izetta, Lee Irving, Paul, Deborah, Lorraine, Loretta, Dawn, Tommy, John, Marvin, Angela, Charlene, and Darlene. She was also blessed with a Godson, Andrew Swinton, and a host of great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was especially grateful for her dearest friends, who became like family and were angels on assignment in her life: Shirley Battle, Edith Clark, Paula Reaves, Tanaya Tukes, Jamie Perry, and Minister Dr. Emily Cannon. Their kindness and care brought her comfort and joy.

Virginia was welcomed home by those who went before her — her parents, Sim and Jasie Bell Morgan; her siblings, L.E. Morgan, Mary Lee Morgan, Annie Ruth Boulton, Helen Swinton, Sim Morgan Jr., Geneva Brison, Charles Lewis Morgan, Flossie Morgan, and Rudolph Curry; her brothers-in-law, Sylvester “Dude” Boulton, Harold Swinton, and Henry Brison; and her niece, Aaliyah Johnson Morgan.

Her life was filled with purpose, faith, and an unwavering commitment to others. She touched countless lives through her kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Though she is no longer physically present, her spirit will continue to live on in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the many people she uplifted.

May the work she has done truly speak for her.

She became a devoted member of Union Baptist Temple on January 1, 2002, and remained active in the church until her passing. She was a beloved part of the congregation, serving faithfully as missionary and usher.

One way she was passionate to serve was by assisting her friend Vernetta Cottman in the Union Baptist Temple kitchen, preparing and serving meals for Strength at Noon Bible Study and other community gatherings.
Virginia served her community for over 30 years as a charter member of the Henrietta Woodard Temple #1169, Nora F. Taylor 2 Council 11, and the New Jersey State Association of IBPOE of the World.