Beloved Community Volunteer Mary Seay Passes Away

Community members gathering to honor a life of philanthropy and service

News Summary

Mary Seay, a devoted mother and community volunteer, has passed away at 98. Known for her extensive volunteer work and commitment to family, her legacy will be cherished in Knoxville and beyond. Seay’s life included meaningful contributions to St. Mary’s Hospital and her church, alongside a passion for recreational activities. She leaves behind a large family and many friends who will remember her unwavering spirit of service and community dedication.

Knoxville, TN – Mary Seay, a devoted mother and community volunteer, passed away at the age of 98 on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Seay’s fruitful life was marked by her dedication to family, faith, and service to others, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by her loved ones and her community.

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Seay graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1944. She lived in Asheville until 1971, before relocating to Knoxville with her husband, David Seay, who worked as a district manager for Winn Dixie stores. The couple was married for 59 years until David’s passing.

Mary Seay was actively involved in her community, notably volunteering for 42 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her volunteer work; she was a long-time member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. Seay enjoyed a variety of recreational activities, particularly swimming and tennis, demonstrating her passion for an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents Joseph F. Courtney and Mary Boland Courtney, and her two sisters, Rosalie Courtney and Kathryn Penland. Seay is survived by her three daughters, Chris Schwarzkopf of Knoxville, Fran Ray of Weaverville, NC, Patti Wood, and Nancy Adkins, as well as her daughter Carolyn Treece from Knoxville. Additionally, she is survived by her son Tommy Seay from Deland, FL, her brother Joe Courtney, nieces Leigh Courtney and Stuart Bohlinger from California, 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service is planned for a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, where family and friends can pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville and Sleep Tight Kids in Columbus, NC. The arrangements are being managed by Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Mary Seay also contributed to the war effort during World War II, working at the CIA headquarters at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, as well as the postal accounts division of the General Accounting Office in Asheville, NC. Her extensive volunteer work, commitment to family, and unwavering spirit of service defined her character and will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved her.