Barbara Ann (Gambrel) Seaman

A memorial service and reception will be held in Sandy Springs, Georgia, at the H.M. Patterson & Son - Arlington Chapel at 11:00am on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and a graveside service at the Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the reception.

Barbara was born on April 18, 1934, in Byron, Illinois, the youngest of eight surviving children of Nellie H. and Earl T. Gambrel. Her parents were delighted with their baby daughter, a sentiment shared by her seven siblings. She grew to keep pace with her older brothers and excelled at everything she tried. When she was 11 years old, the family moved to Winnebago, Illinois, a place she considered “home” for the rest of her life.

In High School Barb was a cheerleader and top student. A gifted musician, she played the piano for the school chorus groups and soloists, reaching the state music competition multiple times. She also played the organ at church and was director of the Junior Choir.

On a trip to spend the summer in New Jersey with her older sister after high school graduation, Barb met her future husband, Roland H. “Ted” Seaman, Jr. at a Ft. Monmouth Officers Club dance. Ted was a 2nd Lieutenant stationed there, serving under Barb’s brother-in-law, Colonel Harold Miller. Harold had gotten Barb a job at the base running the Teletype between Ft. Monmouth and the Pentagon. Barb and Ted got married in Winnebago the following year.

Following Ted’s military service, the couple moved to Ohio so that Ted could continue his education at Ohio State University. While there, Ted met a recruiter for the J. C. Penney Company and he began his retailing career as a Management Trainee for the Company in Ashland, Kentucky. Their first child, Brad, was born there. The young family soon relocated back to Winnebago so Ted could go to work for one of Barb’s older brothers in his Byron moving business. Living in an apartment in her parent’s home, Barb and Ted set up housekeeping and welcomed a second son, Bob. Soon after an unfortunate “meeting” between a very heavy piano and his big toe, however, Ted decided perhaps the moving business wasn’t for him. Accordingly, he returned to his retail career with the J. C. Penney Company the next year.

Many moves followed, as Ted was transferred from store to store, district office to regional office, always moving up the corporate ladder. Barbara set up households and raised their sons in towns and suburbs in Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Georgia. Her talents as a seamstress, decorator and real estate expert were developed as a result. In Atlanta, she became an official Realtor and had a very successful career helping others buy and sell their homes. She won many awards for her real estate sales prowess.

As part of his duties as the Southeast Region President of the J.C. Penney Company, Ted and Barbara were invited to attend many auspicious occasions including charitable sports events, multiple Academy Awards ceremonies, concerts and receptions at the White House, and a dinner at the Vice President’s personal residence. Barbara was always impeccably dressed and coiffed, and she always had the perfect outfit for each occasion.

Barbara delighted in visiting with all of her grandchildren as often as possible. Kimberly and Michael, Bob’s two children, loved coming to Grandma and Grandpa’s home and getting spoiled by her great cooking and generous gifts. When Brad brought Anna and Molly to the family through marriage, they received the same treatment and love. Sunday night dinners were the highlight of the week!

Barbara enjoyed travel, playing the piano, golf, crafts, shopping and interior decorating. She treasured the friendships she made through Peachtree Presbyterian and Roswell Presbyterian Churches, and the P. E. O. Sisterhood.

Barbara will by dearly missed by her husband, “Ted” Seaman of Alpharetta, Georgia; both sons, Brad (Susan) Seaman of Snohomish, Washington, and Bob (Cindy) Seaman of Sandy Springs, Georgia; Grandchildren Kimberly (Danny) Ferretti of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Michael Seaman of Winter Garden, Florida; Step-grandchildren Anna and Molly Spier of Washington; one brother, Loren “Gene” Gambrel of Winnebago, Illinois; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Atria North Point; Caravita Home Care, especially her longtime personal caregiver, Valdene Cover, and Capstone Hospice for the professional and loving care they provided to Barbara during her last days.

If you would like to honor Barbara’s memory, please consider making a charitable donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).