Marguerite Ellis Seabough

Asheville ~ Marguerite Ellis Seabough, 100, passed away at her home, 103 Hibiscus Lane, on November 13, 2005. Mrs. Seabough was born in Tays Valley, West Virginia on July 17, 1905. When she was a year old her family moved to Huntington, West Virginia, where she grew up. Very early, her parents realized her musical talent and started her on piano lessons at the age of five. At age 7, her piano teacher told her parents her musical gift should be encouraged. That year, Marguerite began piano instruction from two of the music faculty members of Marshall College. She became the pianist at her church at age 14. Marguerite graduated from Marshall College with a degree in Elementary Education. Her first teaching position was in the coal fields of West Virginia at Amherstdale. Following her marriage to Rev. Robert Seabough, a Baptist minister, they moved to Missouri. While raising her family, Marguerite continued to pursue her education at Southwest Baptist College, Central Missouri State University and Missouri Valley College. For 14 years she taught first grade at Gallatin, Missouri, when her husband was pastor there. They moved to St. Louis where she taught first grade and kindergarten for 18 years. Mrs. Seabough moved to Asheville 19 years ago and made her home with her son, Ed. Marguerite was a devoted wife and mother who lived an exemplary Christian life. Along with her husband they encouraged their children in educational pursuits. All four children earned Master’s degrees in their chosen field of study. Mrs. Seabough was a faithful church member, serving as church pianist, Sunday school teacher and leader in the Women’s Missionary Union. In Asheville, she was a member of the First Baptist Church. Her Christian faith sustained her through out her life and was evident during her final illness. Her radiant smile and cheerful disposition continued to the end. Marguerite was the daughter of the late William Franklin Ellis and Virginia Augusta Algeo Ellis and was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Holmes Seabough; son, Jerry Seabough; sister, Zetta Williams; her brothers, Jennings Ellis and Mack Ellis; son-in-law, James Hathorn. She is survived by her daughter, Margery Hathorn of Asheville; two sons, William Seabough and wife Julie of Lafayette, LA and Ed Seabough of Asheville; her step-son, Harold Hearn of Venice, FL; a niece, Myrna Vest of Wilmington, DL.; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Guy Sales and the Rev. Donna Painter officiating. Burial will be in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801 or to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.