Frances Abell "Cecelia" Sebik

1926 - 2018

FRANCES "CECELIA" ABELL SEBIK Born in Lebanon, Kentucky on January 8, 1926, Frances "Cecelia" Abell Sebik was blessed to be one of six children raised by loving and faithful Catholic parents, James Lawrence and Theresa Althaire Abell. Growing up on a farm, Cecelia learned the value of hard work, family, and faith. These values guided Cecelia in the most important work of her life - wife and mother. In 1962, Cecelia and Augustin "Gus" Sebik married and started their family of five. Living in 10 states in 13 years, the family settled in Wilmington in 1975. Trained as a financial secretary, among other places, she worked for many years at Temple Baptist Church, the Wilmington Presbytery and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. At the center of her life, underscoring every decision, was Cecelia's deep faith in and love for Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church. It was this faith that Cecelia and Gus instilled in their children, and now by extension in their 12 grandchildren. A member of St. Mary and, most recently, St. Therese Catholic Church, Cecelia was known for her attendance at daily Mass, her love of Eucharistic Adoration, and in the last many years, her service as the founder of a bereavement ministry. She also served the Church as a Third Order Carmelite for several decades. She loved traveling, gardening, and visiting with her many friends. An excellent cook and hostess, fond memories of fried chicken, biscuits, and Sunday pot roasts keep our hearts full if not our bellies. Always remembering her old Kentucky home, she enjoyed the Kentucky Derby. Cecelia loved her Carolina Tar Heels, and reminded them constantly that "defense wins championships." A loving mother and devoted grandmother, Cecelia is survived by her brother James Lawrence Abell, Jr., her daughters and son, Anna Stone, Joseph (Nicole) Sebik, Theresa (William) Van Pilsum, Elizabeth Sebik, and Mary (Jonathan) Rhyne, by her 12 grandchildren: Matthew (Emily) and Adam Stone; Lane & EJ Sebik; Elizabeth, Cate, Maria, Jane, & Ben Van Pilsum; and Marissa, Katie, & Jacob Rhyne, and by dozens of nieces and nephews. The family invites friends to join them for the Rosary at 6 p.m., and will receive visitors from 6:30 to 8 on Friday at Andrews Mortuary on College Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach with interment to follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Wilmington Catholic Radio. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Valley Chapel Service