Oliver Sealey, Sr.

Reverend Doctor Oliver Sealey, Sr. was born January 3, 1939, in Jena, Alabama, to the late Mr. and Mrs. A. C. and Mary F. Peebles Sealey.  He was the sixth of thirteen siblings.  Dr. Oliver Sealey transitioned from this life to his eternal home on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at his home with his family by his side.

At an early age, Oliver experienced the joy of the Lord as he received Christ as his personal Savior.  He then became a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Jena, Alabama under the pastoral leadership of Rev. B. B. Burns.  While in High School, God revealed a plan for his life, and at the tender age of sixteen, he was called into the ministry to preach God’s Word.

After graduating from Dry Creek High School in Fosters, Alabama, Dr. Sealey proceeded into the realm of higher education by receiving his Bth Degree from Selma University, his BS Degree from Stillman College, his DD from the Tuscaloosa School of Religion, and his MED from Livingston University. 

In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Sealey met and married Mrs. Bertha Ree Jimerson on October 27, 1962.  To this union, he became the proud father of two wonderful children: Rena and Maurice Sealey.  On October 27, 2019 together, they celebrated 57 years of marital bliss.

Dr. Sealey served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965 and in the political arena from 1977 to 1984 as Choctaw County Commissioner.  He was affiliated with several organizations, which include the following: Master Mason, Royal Arch, Knight Temple, President of Indian Springs Branch of the NAACP, Sumter County Education Association, Alabama Education Association, and National Education Association

As a result of Dr. Sealey’s educational background, he taught High School in Choctaw and Sumter Counties for 27 years.  He served as principal for one year in Sumer County and at Livingston High School. He demonstrated his love for people both young and old and he made an impact on society.  In him, we found a great leader, a dynamic speaker, an excellent husband and father, a doting grandfather, a businessman, and a mentor to many.

In regard to the many accomplishments of Dr. Sealey, he was more passionate and dedicated to the work of the ministry by serving as Moderator of Gilfield and Kinterbish District Baptist Associations. He demonstrated loyal and faithful service to the following churches until just a few months before his demise: Morning Star, Butler, Alabama for 59 years; Black Bluff, Whitfield, Alabama for 44 years; and Mount Moriah Baptist Church for 38 years.  He worked hard to build a new sanctuary at each one of these churches.  He also pastored Lily’s Baptist Church and Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.  For 59 long years, he stood boldly and declared the Word of the Lord.

Dr. Sealey leaves a legacy of memories for others to follow or build on, and with tears in our eyes, we watched him pass the baton to others before his demise

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife, Mrs. Bertha R. Sealey, one daughter, Mrs. Bernita Rena Sealey Clark (Anthony) of Montgomery, Alabama; one son: Mr. Oliver Sealey, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two lovely granddaughters: Benae and Megan Clark, Montgomery, Alabama; one grandson: Jerell Sealey of Fort Worth, Texas; three sisters: Pastor Sadie Simms, Columbus, Ohio, Pastor Guessella Daniels (Mira), Columbus, Ohio, and Missionary Annie L. White (Bester) of Fosters, Alabama; five brothers: Mr. James Sealey (Ruby), Fosters, Alabama, Mr. Almer Lee Sealey, Columbus, Ohio, Elder Murphy Sealey (Wanda), Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Robert Sealey Foster, Alabama, Supt. Willie  Sealey (Tyletha), Ralph, Alabama; a wonderful sister-in-law, Mrs. Leia Sealey, Columbus, Ohio; brother-in-law: Mr. Charlie Jimerson of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters-in-law: Mrs. Velma Jimerson Brown (Julius), Chicago, Illinois, and Mrs. Odessa Williams of Stone Mountain Georgia; a host of church family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.