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Shirley Seitz

May 15, 1935 — October 1, 2025

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Shirley Seitz was born on May 15, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the youngest child of Edgar and Bertha L. Seitz. Shirley’s early years were marked by both love and loss. When she was under the age of ten, her mother, Bertha, passed away. Her older sister, Jo Ann, when a teenager, moved to live with their Aunt Lou Ella and Uncle Hobart Ballou, while Shirley remained in Chattanooga with her father, Edgar, and stepmother, Gladys Seitz. 

As a child and young adult, Shirley was known for her quiet nature and deep affection for her family. One of her most cherished places was the home of her Aunt Ollie Parks, where she shared many joyful meals and conversations with her cousins—Rita, Hattie, Joseph, and Bo Parks. Weekends spent with her sister, Jo Ann, were among her happiest memories. 

After graduating from Howard High School, Shirley joined Jo Ann in Boston, Massachusetts, where they lived with cousins Rita and Hattie Parks and Ettra Mitchell. Together, the women built a full and lively life, often enjoying the vibrant Boston nightlife and jazz scene. Shirley was known to frequent local jazz clubs, where she mingled with “up-and-coming” Boston personalities, including members of the Royal Bolling family. Even in her later years, Shirley’s love for music and social gatherings endured; she especially enjoyed attending annual Jazz Brunches with her sister, Jo Ann, and great-niece, Staci Cox, along with Staci’s parents, Rosalind and David Cox. 

Shirley began her professional career at Boston’s Black radio station, WILD, where she assisted the famed DJ “WILD Man Steve.” Her passion for community and justice soon led her to the Boston Branch of the NAACP during the Civil Rights era, where she worked tirelessly for equality and encouraged family members to become NAACP members, themselves. By 1968, Shirley had joined the Boston Housing Authority, where her commitment to service and advocacy continued to shine. 

Eventually, Shirley found her calling in the travel industry with United Airlines—a company she came to love deeply. Over the course of more than 20 years, she worked in several locations and even brought her beloved sister Jo Ann into the company. Following her retirement, Shirley continued to serve others by volunteering at Dulles Airport, where she assisted veterans with compassion and care. Shirley was also dedicated to giving living essentials to children in countries in Africa. 

A devoted member of Galilee United Methodist Church, Shirley found joy and purpose in the ministry. Alongside Jo Ann, she faithfully prepared the church each week for worship services.

 Beyond her career and service, Shirley’s life was rich with creativity and adventure. She delighted in knitting, sewing, and crafting beautiful handmade items. Travel brought her immense happiness—she and Jo Ann journeyed together to Paris, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, throughout Europe and the Holy Land, building lasting friendships around the world. 

At the heart of Shirley’s life was her unbreakable bond with her sister, Jo Ann. Their love, devotion, and shared adventures were a source of joy to all who knew them. 

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved sister, Jo Ann Seitz; her parents, Edgar and Bertha Seitz; her brother, Donald Henderson, his wife, Darlene; and her niece, Donyalle Henderson. She is survived by her cherished brother, Jeffrey Seitz, his wife, Rosemary, along with loving nieces, Danielle Murphy, Kiva Henderson and Dr. Joya Sykes, one nephew Jordan Seitz; two great nephews, one great niece, cousins, and many dear friends and extended family members. 

Shirley Seitz lived her life with quiet grace, compassion, and joy. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her deep commitment to family, her passion for music and travel, and her unwavering generosity. 

We shall miss Shirley dearly, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11th at 2:00pm at the Hampton Inn, 623 Camp Jordan Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

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Memorial Service

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

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