Early Life: Emma Lee was born to Dudy and Bertha Carter – off of Ruffin Road – near Walterboro, South Carolina, in Colleton County. She was the older of the two girls of Dudy’s second marriage. Emma’s younger sister, Anna Belle, preceded her in death, as did Christine Allen, Annie, Eddie, Phalimus and Howard – all of which were from Dudy’s first marriage to Lula Robinson.

Schooling and Beginning of Life’s Experiences: Emma received her schooling in the public schools of Colleton County – both elementary and high school. But early on she had to drop out of school to help the family on the farm.

The Family made their living as sharecroppers. We remember the family telling stories of how hard life was. Although the family that they sharecropped for was very nice and kind to the family and treated them with care, but as share croppers, money was as scarce as hen’s teeth.

Her Christian Life: The family was reared as Christians. Their family church has been Sykes Savannah United Methodist Church since its early existence. Her Life, while far from perfect, portrayed strong Christian values. The pride of her life was becoming Mother of the Church, a few years ago.

Her Loving Deeds: Family and Community family: Emma had a heart of pure gold and she’d give until there was nothing more to give.

Community: Our mom was not a high society figure nor was she known in political circles, but there is one thing for sure, her community of Gruber Street and the areas therein, knew her as a “Mother Theresa”. She had a special tenderness about her ways that “ingratiated” you to her giving spirit, her innate warmth and yielding humanitarian ways. When neighbors were down and out, ill, had no place to go nor anything to eat, our Mother would share her meals with the downtrodden. There were so many times she’d call on one of us boys/young men to carry “so and so” this plate of food. She has gone as far as bringing women who were homeless into our home and washing their hair, allow them to clean themselves up, as well as feed them.

Yes, Emma Leee “Mother Theresa” Stephens Seabrook served God by serving mankind. On May 18, 2026, our Mother, Aunt, Cousin and Friend became the last of an era – from the late forties to the present time – to bid 503 Gruber Street – so long ‘til it be tomorrow. I humbly ask/request that Gruber Street be named Emma Lee Seabrook Street.

               Signed: Bettye Stevens Coney and Family

Loved ones left to cherish Emma Seabrook memories, Her son's  Herbert Seabrook, wife,( Liddy,) deceased wife,( Peggy ) Lincolnville, South Carolina,  Jimmy L. Seabrook, Walterboro, South Carolina, Roger Seabrook deceased. Benjamin Seabrook, spouse, (Aisha )Walterboro, South Carolina,  Willie Seabrook (Sharmiane), Walterboro, South Carolina, daughter-in-law, Veronica, Seabrook, grandchildren, Carl Seabrook of McDonnell, Georgia, Tyron Seabrook of Springtown, South Carolina, Jamaine, Seabrook, spouse, (Charmaine) Summersville, South Carolina, Shantel  Jenkins, spouse, (Alfonso), Lexington, South Carolina, Devon, Seabrook, Walterboro, South Carolina Sabrina Seabrook, St. George Chelsea Seabrook, Dallas, Georgia, Matthew Seabrook, Summersville, South Carolina, great grands Skylashia Seabrook. Xavier Seabrook, Jamiah Seabrook. Kamora Seabrook, Kymani Seabrook ,Kaliyah Seabrook, Savannah Seabrook, Brianna Seabrook Levi Seabrook great grands. Great great grands. Kingston Baages, Malia Seabrook and Dominic Terry. A special niece Betty Stevens Coney of Leesburg, Florida. Mama's favorite niece. A host of nieces and nephews from New York to Florida and a host of family and friends

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Celebration of Life Services are as follows:

Viewing: Friday, May 22, 2026  3:00 - 7:00 pm at Hamilton's Funeral Home

Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026 12:00 pm

Sykes Savannah United Methodist Church

12738 Bells Highway

Ruffin, SC 29475

 

Please Keep the family in your prayers.

 Please leave the family a note of Condolence, light a candle of remembrance, or order a floral remembrance piece.  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4