Iola Seals Obituary

Seals, Iola LaGreta

Iola LaGreta Seals (nee Wilkins) 83, of Chicago, departed this life on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Springfield resident, Avonne Michelle Seals. Born in Chicago on August 31, 1937, she was one of five (5) children born to Harry Eugene Wilkins and Ella Mae Wilkins. As a child, she was a member of Monumental Baptist Church, her mother's church, and she attended public elementary and high school in Chicago. In 1955, she married her childhood sweetheart, Franklin D. Seals, and the couple had four (4) children. Later, she continued her education, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Education and a Mastersof Arts (M.A.) in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.

During her early years, she worked for the United States Railroad Retirement Board located in Chicago, followed by employment as a mail clerk for the downtown-based United States Post Office. After completing her education, she taught in various Chicago public schools where she devoted herself to ensuring her students would become productive citizens of society. She was known as a "second mom" to many, and known by relatives and friends alike for her humor, keen wit, kindness, and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one older sister – Bertha Wilkins. She leaves to cherish her memory two (2) daughters – Avonne Michelle of Springfield and Rolinda Seals of Chicago; two (2) sons – Frank Seals, Jr. and Terrence Seals, both of Chicago; a brother Harry Wilkins, Jr. of Glenwood, IL; and two (2) sisters – Lillian Walker and Janice Wilkins, both of Chicago.

Services will be held in Chicago at Gatling Chapel, Saturday, September 4, 2021; Repast at 11:30 to 1:00 pm; Visitation from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm; Funeral Service from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m.

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