Lonnie Mae "Mary" Seay

Lonnie Mae Cunningham Seay, affectionately known as “Mary,” was born September 2, 1934 to Eddie Albert Cunningham and Pearlie Lee Cunningham in Eufaula, Alabama. She attended Henry County School in Clayton, Alabama and graduated from Chicago School of Nursing. Lonnie became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with the State of Ohio, in 1957, after moving to Columbus. In 1982, she received her Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University. Lonnie worked for the State Mental Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and retired from the Columbus Health Department after 25 years of service. A devoted Christian, Lonnie was a faithful member of Asbury North United Methodist Church, for over 60 years, where she served as the Chairperson of the Communion Stewards. She was an actor for CAM Talent Agency and a member of Eta Phi Beta Sorority. Lonnie was an avid traveler; she and her husband were able to enjoy the sights of Israel, Egypt, Aruba, and other Caribbean Islands, as well as many cities within the United States. On February 17, 2018, at the age of 83, Lonnie passed away while at the Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Janet Patricia Seay, and siblings, Coudia Williams, Bernice Williams, Alberta Rispan, Stanley Cunningham, and Eddie Cunningham, Jr. A loving and devoted wife and mother, Lonnie is survived by her husband of 63 years, James; daughter Jeri Lynn (Paul) Hensley; grandson Paul Stephen Hensley, II; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Lonnie’s favorite saying, “God loves you and so do I!” will be forever in our hearts.