“And Still I Rise…”

Gail Wagner Seeney, age 86, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on February 27, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, and friend, Gail’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Gail Alyce Wagner was born on October 19, 1939, in Paulsboro, New Jersey, to Evelyn Wagner (née Johnson) and Robert Jordan Wagner. She grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey alongside her siblings: her sister Gwendolyn Burnett, her late sister Gloria Wagner, and late brother Robert Wagner.

During her high school years in Woodbury, the beautiful Gail Wagner met her future husband, William “Bill” Seeney. High school sweethearts, Gail and Bill were married on December 23, 1961. Their love endured more than six decades. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and commitment. Sadly, Bill (age 87) passed away October 4, 2025, from prostate cancer.

In 1961, Gail earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey and devoted her career to education, teaching kindergarten in the public-school system of Newark, Montclair, and East Orange, New Jersey for nearly 35 years. She loved her students deeply and believed strongly in the power of education to transform lives.

Her commitment to young people extended beyond the classroom. Remembering her own struggles as a college student, Gail quietly and generously sent money to children of family and friends who were attending college, wanting them to feel supported during their educational journey.

Gail and Bill raised their two children, Terri and Joshua, in Montclair, New Jersey, where they lived for more than 30 years before retiring to Palm Coast, Florida in 2000.

Faith was central to Gail’s life. She loved Jesus Christ and was an active member of Union Baptist Church, and later attended St. Paul Baptist Church both in Montclair, New Jersey.

Gail was known for her vibrant personality, quick wit, and feisty humor. She enjoyed playing pinochle, pokeno, and Chinese checkers, shopping (especially on QVC), and traveling. She loved trips to New York City for dinner and a Broadway show. She also enjoyed birdwatching in her backyard, collecting Black dolls, and indulging in one of her favorite treats—ice cream!

Gail was deeply devoted to her family and especially cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. She strongly encouraged higher education and proudly supported her children’s decisions to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Spelman College and Delaware State University.

Gail leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Terri Seeney-Majette (Eric); her son, Joshua Seeney (Dottie); her granddaughters, Jazmyne and LaReyna Seeney; her grandson, Justis Seeney; her sister, Gwendolyn Burnett; her nieces, Judy Burnett-Manning and Joelle Wagner-Lynch; her nephew, John Burnett; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Gail’s spirited presence – her love, laughter and warm hugs– always left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was generous, loyal, encouraging, and deeply committed to those she loved - as a mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. One of her favorite sayings was, “Keep your face towards the sun and your shadows will fall behind you.”

She will never be forgotten and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Even in her final years with Alzheimer’s, she would say with strength and conviction - “And still, I rise.”

MEMORIAL SERVICE DETAILS:         

Date & Time : Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00am            Location: St. Paul Baptist Church, 119 Elm Street, Montclair, NJ 07024                          Repast to follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the Seeney family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/donate/