Tessie Mae Seamon

Tessie Mae Seamon

Tessie Mae Seamon, born on August 12, 1933 and passed away on January 23, 2026, ("Tessie") grew up on a farm just outside Howell, with her beloved parents, George A and Marian (Mans) Seamon, and her older brother, George L. Seamon, Jr. Like her parents, she and "Jr" graduated from Howell High school. After graduation in 1951, Tessie went to Lake Erie College (an all-girls' college at that time). She graduated with an A.B. in 1956 with majors in sociology and psychology. Tessie moved to Cleveland, Ohio to pursue a Master in Arts at Case Western Reserve University. While there she began her life-long service to others, as a social worker at the Cleveland YWCA.

With her experience there, she accepted the appointment to be the Associate Director of the Toledo YWCA, in 1965. She worked with community organizations there as she assisted people with challenges. In 1970, she started her long and rewarding career with The University of Toledo, College of Education and Student Services Division. While at U.T., Tessie was active in the National Association of Academic Advising, having presented at conferences. Tessie was also a University Women's Commission Outstanding Woman Award Winner. She retired from counseling at U.T., Community & Technology College clinic in 1999.

Tessie never married. She devoted her life to helping people. A co-worker, Tyrone, remembers Tessie as "…the consummate professional, dedicated to perfection. She loved working with students. A no-nonsense counselor who prepared them for the future." Her friend, Deb, said: "She was very devoted to her students. She was supportive of them and spent a lot of time with them. She truly wanted them to succeed and focused on their needs and goals."

Tessie LOVED the State of Michigan and spent many days in retirement exploring small towns. She appreciated the beauty of nature in Michigan.

Away from The University, Tessie enjoyed working as a "design-build", general contractor. She built 2 houses in Howell. Her pride and joy, however, was the rural church in the upper peninsula that she bought, moved, and converted into a cottage on Brevort Lake.

Tessie was always interested in the individuals around her; friends, co-workers, students, service people, neighbors, and caregivers. Yet she was very private and humble. She did not want to burden anyone. She preferred to give than to receive.

In keeping with her interests in disadvantaged children and others with disabilities, Tessie's primary philanthropy is Sunshine Communities, of Maumee, Ohio. Most recently, Tessie's generosity created a new courtyard, where the residents, visitors and families can gather outside, surrounded by nature. Her spirit must be sitting with them and listening to them.

Tessie was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Mary

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel, 315 N. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI. Interment will be in Sanford Cemetery, Cohoctah, MI.