Addie Whitehurst Seniors

Obituary For Addie Whitehurst Seniors

Mrs. Addie Whitehurst Seniors was born in Tallahassee, Florida. She was the eldest of four children of Aaron and Mariah Whitehurst. Both her parents were employed by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), her father for twenty-seven years and her mother for forty-six years. So, as you can see, she was born a “Rattler” (FAMU mascot). On Monday, January 22, 2024, God, who makes no mistakes, called his faithful servant home.

This Rattler for Life's formal education began at age three at FAMU's N. B. Young Nursery School until the age of five. She continued her primary education at Lucy Moten (FAMU Elementary School), 1st to 6th grade. Her high school years were spent at Lucy Moten, which had expanded to include 7th through 12th grades. It was informally known as FAMU Demonstration High School. She graduated in 1954 at age sixteen. That same year, she enrolled at Florida A&M University, and in 3 1/2 years, graduated with a bachelor's degree Education.

At FAMU, she also met and married the love of her life, Robert T. Seniors. After Robert graduated from FAMU, he accepted a position with the Department of Labor which was based in Miami. This is how Addie, a Tallahassee native and “Rattler for Life” started the next phase of her life’s journey.

When she arrived in Miami, her accelerated schedule did not stop. While being a mother to her 2-year-old daughter, Natalie, she accepted a teaching position with the Miami Dade County Public School System. In addition to family responsibilities, she worked full-time and attended the University of Miami where she received her Master’s degree in Education. She was one of the first Black women accepted into the program. Two more children were born, Carla and Robert II.

After a successful career spanning thirty-four years, Addie retired in 1995 as an Area Supervisor of school psychologists for the entire Northeastern Region of the Miami Dade County Public School System. She made a lasting impact on the field of education and positively influenced the lives of many students and colleagues throughout her career. After her retirement, she tutored at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Community Center and served as a Poll Worker for elections in her community.

Addie was a deeply compassionate woman who was strong in her faith. Addie believed in the power of prayer, and was a devoted Christian woman who faithfully praised God at all times. Her actions spoke volumes; she was a woman of few words, but her kindness and love were felt by all who knew her.

Addie is survived by her sister, Martha Whitehurst Adeyemo; her children, Natalie Smith, Carla (Dennis) Kellum, Robert II (Trenice) Seniors; her grandchildren, Tia Smith, Briana Turner, Dennis Kellum II, Carlos Kellum, Ronice Seniors, Robert III (Destini) Seniors and Robyn Seniors. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Mackenzie Smith, Chairein Gilyard, Kayden Butler, and Robert Seniors IV, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Honorary sisters include Mrs. Gloria Burrows, Mrs. Irene Hargrove, Dr. Marietta Mischia, Mrs. Gloria Myles and Ms. Catherine Player. Honorary daughters include Yolanda Connor, Allie Harris, Loralyn Mosely and Jessica Scott. Henry Black, an honorary brother, was a devoted friend and church member. Honorary sons include Carl Broadnax, DeCarlo Carr, Thomas Gibson, Ammon Howard, and Harold Scott.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Seniors; her parents, Aaron and Mariah Whitehurst; her brother, James Whitehurst; her sister, Mildred Whitehurst Batts; her grandson, Robert Sean Smith; and her nephew, Christopher Henry.

Addie was a devoted member of St. James AME church in Miami FL, where she loved to worship. She actively participated in various church activities, serving on the stewardess board and as a class leader. She also dedicated her time to visiting the sick and shut-in, and took great care in preparing the bread for Holy Communion.

Addie was also a lifetime member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK), a professional service organization of women educators.

Addie will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Addie’s faith, strength, kindness and angelic voice will forever be remembered.

Mrs. Addie Whitehurst Seniors Celebration of Life will be held on February 7, 2024, at 12PM at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 224 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32301.