Judith Temple (Alexander) Seawell (1918 - 2008)

Born 19 Sep 1918 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

Wife of William Thomas Seawell — married 12 Jun 1941 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States

Died 28 Mar 2008 at age 89 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

Judith Temple Alexander was born on September 19, 1918, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, to William Crichton Alexander and Ella Temple (Fox) Alexander. In her early years, the family resided on West 11th Street in Pine Bluff, and by 1930, they had moved to West 14th Street in the same city.

Her academic journey led her to Pine Bluff High School, where she graduated in 1936. During her time at Pine Bluff High, she showcased her leadership as the editor-in-chief of the Zebra yearbook and even contributed by writing the lyrics for the high school Alma Mater. This early involvement in journalism foreshadowed her future endeavors.

Following her high school graduation, Judith pursued higher education at Wellesley College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1940. At Wellesley, she became a member of the Zeta Alpha Society, showcasing her academic and social engagement. Post-graduation, she relocated to New York, where she joined the editorial staff of Thomas Nelson & Sons, publishers. Additionally, she became an active member of the New York Wellesley Club, fostering connections within her alma mater's community.

On June 12, 1941, Judith married William Thomas Seawell in Manhattan, New York County. Her husband, a recent graduate of the United States West Point Military Academy, later served in Europe during World War II. During his deployment, Judith returned to New York and worked at LIFE magazine, where she contributed by writing stories about the armed forces or editorials.

Following the war, her husband's military career took them to various air bases around the United States and Europe. Notably, when he served on the United Nations Military Staff Committee, Judith resumed her role at LIFE magazine for the duration of his New York assignment.

By 1950, the couple resided in Washington, District of Columbia. After her husband's retirement from the military, they returned to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In her community, Judith became an active member of several organizations, including the Hawthorne Book Club, Colonial Dames of America, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Arts and Science Center of Pine Bluff.

Judith Temple Alexander Seawell passed away on March 28, 2008, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Her final resting place is at Bellwood Cemetery in Pine Bluff, where her legacy lives on through her contributions to journalism, her active engagement in various organizations, and her commitment to her community and family.

Sources

• 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Pine Bluff Ward 2, Jefferson, Arkansas; Roll: T625_67; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 135 Ancestry Record 6061 #65259626
• 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 0038; FHL microfilm: 2339814 Ancestry Record 6224 #86630040
• 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: 503; Page: 19; Enumeration District: 1-667 Ancestry Record 62308 #15703747
• Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1918 Ancestry Record 61774 #193616
• New York, New York, Index to Marriage Licenses, 1908-1910, 1938-1940: New York City Department of Records & Information Services; New York City, New York; New York City Marriage Licenses; Borough: Manhattan; Year: 1941 Ancestry Record 61788 #90348392
• U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #82217151
• Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25655017/judith-temple-seawell: accessed 9 November 2023), memorial page for Judith Temple Alexander Seawell (19 Sep 1918–28 Mar 2008), Find A Grave: Memorial #25655017, citing Bellwood Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by jlbw (contributor 48967302).
• Newspaper Clipping, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 15 Jun 1941, Sun. - Page 56. "Arkansas Girl Is Wed In East." Accessed 9 Nov 2023.