Ms. Donna Elaine Sanders-Seay

Donna Elaine (Sanders) Seay was born on December 27, 1952 in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Charles Alexander Sanders and Jessie Beatrice Feaster. She departed this earthly journey on October 1, 2019.

Donna attended both public and Catholic schools in Newark, New Jersey and was a graduate of Arts High School Class of 1970, majoring in Art and Drama.  Also active in the Black Culture, Dance, and Glee Clubs as well as Fencing, her sparkling personality and quick wit garnered her the title of Class Comedian. At Rutgers University, she majored in Public Administration with a minor in Journalism.  She would use those excellent skills throughout her career.  Beginning with Fireman’s Fund, Prudential Insurance Company, and then Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), her administrative abilities, dedication to duty, and emotional intelligence would lead her to positions of increasing responsibility in municipal government at Newark City Hall. Working with the Essex County Division of Senior Services, she would garner awards as a Special Transportation Manager, Certified Community Transport Supervisor and Certified Community Transit Manager.  

Donna was dedicated to her family, friends and community.  She poured all her energy and passion into activities that would uplift and encourage others.    She never met a stranger.  Blessed with a powerful singing voice, Donna sang with many area church choirs, 4-H Clubs, and the gospel group, The Disciples of Truth.  She helped create summer learning camps for Newark youth; and, Positive Direction, a nonprofit youth organization promoting empowerment through the Arts.  She created the Improve Newark – Graffiti Removal Project, helping beautify blighted sections of her city; and, her own company, Advanced Environmental Abatement Group, LLC, to make affordable housing beautiful, safe and vandalism free.

Donna leaves to cherish her precious memory, husband James H. Seay; sons, Divad Lee Preston Sanders and Christopher Hampton Seay, of Newark, NJ; brother, Charles Preston Sanders (Denise), of Newark, NJ; sister, Georgette Taylora Moses, of Columbia, SC; niece, Hope Elaine Sanders; nephews, SSG Adam Ladel Moses (Joy) and Aron Wardel Moses; grandchildren, Divad, Jr., Donovan, and Dynashia; grandnieces, Makayla Taylora Moses and Makenna Cecille Moses; a host of loving relatives and friends.

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