( August 17, 1931 – June 19, 2024 )

DALLAS--MRS. JOHNNIE LOUISE SEASTRUNK affectionately known as “Mama Johnnie” was born to the parentage of the late John Weldon Taylor and Mabel Louise Taylor (Smith) on August 17, 1931, in Tyler, Texas. She peacefully passed away on June 19, 2024.

Mama Johnnie’s creative musical talent began at the age of three (3) years old when she started playing the piano. She served as the Musician at St. Louis Baptist Church for more than 50 years until her retirement.

Mama Johnnie was a product of Tyler Public School System, beginning her education at W. A. Peete Elementary School and graduating from Emmett J. Scott High School at age 15. She attended Prairie View A&M College, Prairie View, Texas, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Butler College, Tyler, Texas in May 1951. She did graduate studies at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas and received a Master of Arts Degree (Interdisciplinary Studies: Emphasis Music) from The University of Texas at Tyler on August 15, 1980.

Mama Johnnie retired from Rice Elementary School as a Music Teacher in 1991. Her teaching career spanned more than 46 years. Mama Johnnie’s Philosophy of Education was, “If we, as teachers, provide the tools and set good examples, students will not only be educated to make a living, but they will also be well-prepared to make a productive life for themselves. Only the one who has learned to serve is qualified to lead.”

Mama Johnnie was married to Mr. Henry Lee Seastrunk, Sr. for 48 years before his death in 1996. She leaves to cherish her memories: Sons, Henry Lee Seastrunk Jr. of Tyler, Texas, and Gary Don Seastrunk (Elsa) of Humble, Texas; Daughters, Louise Renee Seastrunk of Red Oak, Texas, and Marquita Denise Seastrunk Clark (Greg) of Dallas, Texas; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Public Viewing: Friday, June 28, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Harmon Undertaking Co., 1112 N Palace Avenue, Tyler Texas 75702.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:48 am at St. Louis Baptist Church, 4000 Frankston Highway, Tyler, Texas 75701.

Committal Service: St. Louis Cemetery, Old Noonday Road, Tyler, Texas 75701.