Online Obituaries for the Seattle WA Area
Alberta Halsell
May 13, 1930 - February 01, 2012
Earth’s lights became a shade dimmer on February 1, 2012. But the gates of Heaven opened widely and the sun shone brightly to welcome with
delight its newest saint – Mrs. Alberta Halsell. Indeed, she fought a good fight, she finished the course, and she kept the faith.
For 81 years, Alberta Halsell, affectionately known as “Bert” to many of her friends and family, lifted spirits and touched countless people with her compassion and kindness. And, for those who knew her, our hearts are most certainly heavy and a little bit of ourselves will be forever lost. But we feel extremely grateful and blessed to have experienced her beautiful smile, gentle demeanor and unwavering dedication to her Savior – the Lord Jesus Christ. She represented all that is good in this world, and instilled in her family the belief in a higher power, which has given them the foundation, courage and peace to move forward even as they mourn her death. Alberta taught us all about love, appreciation, benevolence and goodwill. She would often recite the familiar phrase “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That was the motto in which she lived by each and every day.
She was born on May 13, 1930, the ninth of 10 children, from the union of Albert and Margie Berry. Alberta was raised and educated in Birmingham, AL, and graduated from Rosedale High School in 1947. In 1949, she moved with her family to Chicago, IL, where she lived for 10 years before relocating to Seattle, WA, and marrying the love of her life, John Lee Halsell. Alberta was a homemaker until 1966 at which point she was employed by the Boeing Company. In 1969, she sought a profession in retail, working for Pay N Save Corporation where she had an illustrious 25-year career and became a trailblazer in her own right. She was one of the first African American workers as well as one of the first women to excel to a senior management level position at Pay N Save. Alberta retired from the corporation in August 1993 as Cosmetic Manager.
Her favorite hobby was arts and craft. Alberta had a knack for creativity and artistry, and enjoyed using her design skills, especially at Christmas time, to create crafty projects for her family, church and community. She was a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years where she sang in the Sanctuary Choir and served as Chairperson of the Mission Circle and Captain of the Harvest Tea.
Alberta lived her life with dignity, grace and sense of elegance and style that will go unmatched. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 52 years – John Lee Halsell. The couple would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on February 3, 2012. She is also survived by her five children, Carolyn Hawkins and husband Todd Hawkins, Patricia Berry, Barry Gilbert, Anthony Halsell and Ingrid (Halsell) Goodwin; 12 grandchildren, Steve Harris, Sherry Jones ( Jeffery ), Breard Jones Jr., Jauna Gilbert, Nicole Gilbert, Maleeka Gilbert, Quiana Halsell, Keiron Goodwin, Khalil Goodwin, Trinita Williams, Rekiya Janssen (Christopher), Jon Sanders, Weslet Hawkins, and William Hawkins; 11 great grandchildren, Marcus Tibbs, Jeliah Jones, Marquel Patterson, Jimoni Gilbert, Ki’Jaun Halsell-Brown, Shaquel Rodriguez, Shantel Rodriguez, Christopher Williams, Kaila Williams, Isabella Janssen, and Joseph Janssen; brother, Howard Berry and wife Arletha Berry; sister, Mildred Hall and a host of loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. Her daughter Jean (Halsell) Sanders preceded her in death.
Funeral Information
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church: 2801 S Jackson St. Repast to follow.
Inurnment in Washelli Columbarium.
Directions
Service: Map to Church
Cemetery: Map to Washelli Columbarium, Seattle
