Sarah Elsie Mackey

Sarah Elsie Mackey (affectionately known as Elsie) was born on March 25, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the beloved daughter of the late William J. Seaton and Sarah Seaton. On Friday, April 25, 2025, after a brief illness, Elsie peacefully went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by love and in the full assurance of her faith. Elsie accepted Christ at an early age at New Shiloh Baptist Church, where she remained a lifelong and faithful member. She served under the spiritual guidance of Dr. J. Timothy Boddie and both Dr. Harold A. Carter Sr. and Jr. Her walk with Christ was evident in the way she lived her life—with humility, service, and steadfast devotion. In July of 1955, Elsie married the love of her life, Irvin Harvey Mackey, who preceded her in death in May 1968. From their union came four children: Claude R. Mackey, Velvia C. Mackey Worrell, Carolyn S. Mackey Bryant, and William H. Mackey. Elsie was a devoted and loving mother who instilled strong Christian values, the importance of education, and the strength of perseverance in each of her children. Elsie was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated with the Class of 1955 from Frederick Douglass High School. With an unwavering passion for nurturing young minds, she continued her studies at Coppin State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her pursuit of excellence in education did not stop there—Elsie went on to earn two Master’s degrees in Education, also from Coppin State. As an elementary school teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System, Elsie touched countless lives. Her classroom was a place of warmth, encouragement, and inspiration, particularly for her 2nd and 3rd grade students. She dedicated over 35 years to the field of education, retiring only to provide loving care for her aging mother. Elsie’s love for teaching extended beyond the classroom. A devoted woman of faith, she taught Sunday School for many years, ministering to generations of children through Biblical teachings. She was a proud and active member of New Shiloh’s Comfort Choir, where she not only sang joyfully to the Lord but also served as President for several years. On April 19, 2015, she was honored with a Pastoral Citation recognizing her commitment to ministry and the many lives she impacted through service. Travel was one of Elsie’s great joys in life. She relished opportunities to explore new places—sailing on cruises, journeying across the United States, and immersing herself in the culture of Europe and the Caribbean. Her sense of adventure reflected her vibrant spirit and zest for life. In her golden years, Elsie remained active and engaged, attending the local senior center where she became an avid line dancer and a valued volunteer in the travel department. Her enthusiasm and dedication earned her multiple citations for outstanding volunteerism, yet she remained humble and full of grace. God saw that her path had become weary, and the journey long, so He gently called her home to eternal rest. Elsie was preceded in death by her siblings Lily S. Black, Mildred S. Linear, and William J. Seaton. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her cherished family. She leaves to celebrate her life and honor her memory: her four children—Claude R. Mackey, Velvia C. Worrell (Barry Worrell), Carolyn S. Mackey Bryant (Arthur R. Bryant), and William H. Mackey; her devoted sister, Velvia J. Foster of Philadelphia, PA; her beloved grandchildren—Megan Ryles, Cherese Davis (Lamar Davis), Tia Sembly-Nichol (Johnny Nichol), and Tyonna S. Mackey; and her treasured great-grandchildren—CheRae Howard, Collin Ryles, Cydney Davis, James Nichol, Magdalene Nichol, and Gyasi Davis. Her Devoted Niece Martha L. Johnson and many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Don’t cry for me because I’m free. God delivered me. Though my body ached, I kept the faith. But I heard God say, “Come home. Rest in peace from labor; your race is won.” So, my dear ones, trust in God, believe in Him—and He will keep you until the end. I have been delivered into Victory.

Tributes

Sarah Elsie Mackey

March 25, 1937 - April 25, 2025