O. Jean Seal

O. Jean Seal, 80, Kingsport passed away at her residence on Thursday, January 21, 2016 following a brief illness. She was born in Knoxville and grew up in Johnson City. She was the last surviving child of Creed Davis Seal and Ollie Elmer Seal.

A graduate of University High, she received a BS and MS in Chemistry from East Tennessee State University. Jean spent two years working under the late Dr. T. Z. Casky at the School of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She began her career with Eastman in 1958, retiring in 1998, after assignments in Economic & Market Analysis, New Products Development, Chemical Product Management, Health & Environmental Affairs and was one of the first women Eastman assigned to Chemical Field Marketing, serving as District Manager of the Chicago Territory.

Jean used her time and talents to serve her community by volunteering with Meals on Wheels, The Shepherd Center, Society of St. Vincent de Paul and cooking for the Kitchen of Hope. She could always find time to lend a helping hand even while being a loving caregiver to members of her own family.

She remained ever loyal to her alma mater, actively supporting the expansion efforts, most recently The Alumni Bell Tower, the Arts Initiative and Scholarships. She was named Outstanding Alumna, and was a member of the ETSU Foundation and the Distinguished President's Trust.

Jean travelled widely in the U.S., Europe and Asia and particularly enjoyed New England, the British Isles and the Orient. She had most recently returned from a fall trip to Colorado.

She was an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church. Prior to moving to Kingsport, she was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City.

Preceding her in death were her sister, Theresa Hope Modrell; and brothers, Elmer Creed (Bud) Seal and Larry Dean Seal.

Jean is survived by sisters-in-law, Joyce Francis and Judy Beard; nieces, Jennifer Modrell, Holly Douthat and LaDania Robeson; and nephews, Derek Seal and Tom Modrell.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 26, 2015 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am with Father Michael Cummins officiating. Burial will follow in Monte Vista Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2517 N. John B. Dennis Hwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, or to the charity of one's choice.

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