Obituary

Alberta R. Sealey, 91, our loving mother and grandmother, peacefully departed this life on March 11, 2023.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Will Sealey; parents Daniel and Cordelia Smith; daughter Alberta Christine Pharris and great-granddaughter Katelin Rose Hofius.  She is also preceded by her 3 sisters: Thelma, Lela, and twin sister Alethea.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory son-in-law, Danny Pharris, son, Daniel Sealey (Sherry), and daughters Gwen Janes (Ralph) and Diana Demoret (Ron); 8 grandchildren Brandy Hofius (Bruce), David Pharris (Tatiana), Nick Pharris (Tiffany), Chasity Hedrick, Christy Boughan (Whit), Clayton Stewart, Neal Finkle-Combs (Trevor), and Cortney Stewart; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alberta was a loving and caring wife to her husband Will for 61 years.  They married on June 19, 1951 in Huntsville, Arkansas.  Military life, in the early years of their marriage, had them relocating frequently; living in California, South Carolina, Cuba, and Virginia, finally settling down in Lees Summit, MO.  She was a loving and devoted mother.  Her children often reminisce about the many sacrifices she made to provide for them.  She retired from AT&T, formerly Western Electric, in Lees Summit after 28 years of dedicated service.

Alberta was an enthusiastic sports fan, watching any kind of basketball, and loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.  She enjoyed playing basketball in High School; however, she always proclaimed to have never finished a game as her spirited feisty ways had her fouling out before the game would end.

Alberta had many talents.  She was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables. She was proud to serve her family and friends the best corn on the cob, along with the biggest tomatoes you ever laid eyes on.  She enjoyed cooking and was famously known for her fried chicken, homemade rolls, chocolate pie and spaghetti & french fry dinners.  She was passionate about quilting, making hundreds of hand-sewn works of art throughout her lifetime, and sharing them with family, her Church community, and numerous friends.  Fishing was one of her favorite past-times and she found joy in being able to outfish anyone.

Of all the talents she possessed, nothing lit her up more than being a grandmother.  “Ma Sealey”, a nickname given to her by grandson Gunnar “Banks” Boughan, was easily adopted by all that knew and loved her.  In her latter days having her grandchildren take her on the golf cart for a lap or two, brought a joyful smile to her face.

The family is forever grateful for the care provided by the staff of Ascend Hospice and Holden Manor Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascend Hospice, 783 NE Anderson Ln, Lees Summit, MO 64064