Olene May Seal, 97, of Russellville, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Olene, most affectionately known as Great mommy, was born on August 31, 1928 to Otho May, Sr. and Kate Hester May. She was a 1946 graduate of Russellville High School; a lifelong member of Russellville First Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities; a loving wife to her beloved Pie; a devoted mother, who took such pride in her three children and everything they accomplished; a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, who never missed a ballgame, recital, awards day, or special event; and a dear aunt, sister, and friend.
Olene will always be remembered for her love of Christ and her love for her family. She was never happier than when she was in her pew on Sunday surrounded by her church family, or when she was anywhere surrounded by her family. She adored family reunions where the whole extended family could get together, often hosting everyone at her home over the years, which is where the extended family grew up gathering. She also loved hosting her immediate family for meals that she lovingly cooked. There’s no telling how many handmade biscuits, pots of greens, skillets of cornbread, piles of homemade chicken fingers, and slices of hog jowl were cooked in that little kitchen of hers, but all that and much more was enjoyed by her family every time they were there. And, of course, she always had cookies and snacks on hand for anyone who stopped by just to chat. She was the perpetual hostess and loved that job so much, and those who got to enjoy the pleasure of her company, be it outside on her porch swing or in her home, were all the better for it. The wisdom, life lessons, stories, jokes, and anecdotes she passed along were gifts that won’t soon be forgotten. She was full of love, grace, class, and a little bit of sass. She was a Southern lady through and through and such a wonderful example of Christian love and faithfulness. She will be missed tremendously by all those who knew and loved her.
Olene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Charles B. “Pie” Seal; her daughter, Susan Carol Seal Goggans; her parents, Otho May, Sr. and Kate Hester May; her brothers, Otho May, Jr., Robert May, Jimmy May; her sisters, Willodean May Seal; Martha Agnes May Kilbourn, Kathryn May Roden; her beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and several nieces, nephews, and other family.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Janice Seal Page (Lee); her son, Pat Seal (Teresa); her granddaughter, Kellie Seal Singleton; her grandsons, Brandon Goggans, and John Seal (Rachel); her great-granddaughters, Adriana Herston (Eric), and Dara Coffman (David); her great-grandsons, Harrison Singleton, Lee Charles Seal, and Bradford Seal; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services for Olene Seal will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Russellville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the funeral service following at 1 p.m.
Pallbearers are John Seal, Brandon Goggans, Richard Rhoden, Eric Herston, David Coffman, and Johnny Weatherford. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Clement, Scott Godsey, Bobby Stanford, Joel Page, Charles Bentley, Mickey Seal, Jim Hester, and Chris Burcham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Russellville First Presbyterian Church, 201 Green Ave., Russellville, AL 35653. Spry Funeral Home assisted the family.
