Obituary - Alma Billy Seals

Alma Billy Seals was born on March 21, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Mary Jane Green (Billy) and James Billy. She grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant with her sisters, Eleanor and Reatha, and brother, James. Although educated in Catholic schools, Alma always said that her questions about the Bible were not answered by church leaders. Her sister Reatha introduced her to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses—an experience Alma said helped answer all of her Bible questions.

Around that time Alma met James Seals through her brother-in-law. James often said he knew at first sight she would be his wife. They married in 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, and soon bought a home in Queens, where they raised three children, Katrina Richelle, Kimberly Lanise, and Jeffrey James.

Alma was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in August 1961. For more than three decades, she worshipped with the Murdoch and later the St. Albans congregations, hosting a weekly congregation book study in her home for 23 years. Her ministry remained the cornerstone of her life: she served as a regular pioneer for over 25 years.

Alma raised her children in the truth with the support of her husband. In 2018, James became a dedicated and baptized servant of Jehovah—one of the happiest days of Alma’s life.

A graduate of the High School of Fashion Industries in 1957, Alma was a gifted seamstress. Alma brought elegance and comfort into her home by handcrafting drapery, cushion covers, and other custom touches that reflected her eye for detail and devotion to family life. She designed convention outfits for her daughters, sharp suits for her son, and wedding gowns for relatives—garments that family members still call “Alma originals.”

She proudly documented family memories in multiple photo albums, which were a viewing staple for any visitor. Alma took pride in her photo albums, categorizing them by theme, year, and event.

Alma had a lifelong love for double dutch, roller skating, music, and dancing—never missing a beat on the dance floor at family gatherings as she moved effortlessly to the hustle, salsa, and merengue. Her adventurous spirit took her to district conventions across the globe, combining faith with her passion for travel. At home, she delighted in planting seasonal flowers and took great care in maintaining a beautiful yard, always mindful of curb appeal and presentation. She also loved to bake and had an undeniable sweet tooth, so much so that she often chose dessert over dinner. A true tea enthusiast, she especially cherished hosting high tea parties with her grandchildren, creating memories steeped in love and tradition.

While Alma held several administrative positions in customer service and insurance claims, earning consistent praise for her diligence and warmth, her most treasured role was homemaker. She cultivated a beautifully decorated, welcoming household that became the hub for gatherings with family and friends. Guests rarely left without a lovingly prepared meal—or a slice of cake.

In 2002, Alma and James retired to Dalzell, South Carolina, near his childhood neighborhood, and Alma made the Sumter North Congregation her new spiritual home. After James’s passing in July 2023, congregation friends rallied around Alma and even supported her through her relocation to the Richmond, Virginia area in 2024. Even in assisted living in Henrico, she continued sharing her faith with nurses, therapists, and anyone curious about the Bible.

Alma is survived by her three children, Katrina Esin [Norman] of Henrico, VA, Kimberly Seals Allers of Queens Village, NY, Jeffrey Seals of Fort Mill, SC; sister Reatha Burgess; brother James Billy; sisters-in-law, Margretta Reid Fairweather and Mozell Stafford; uncle-in-law, Lewis Seals; five grandchildren, Autumn, Bria, Kayla, Jonathan, and Michael-Jaden; and many nieces and nephews, including Pamela Rivers and Anthony Burgess, with whom she shared a special bond. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Eleanor Coleman, and beloved husband of 64 years, James Seals.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2737 Hungary Spring Rd, Richmond, VA 23294. A service will follow at Noon at the church. Interment will be private.