Sarah Isabelle Seastrunk

Sarah Isabelle Seastrunk, 91, of Columbia, died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, just two days shy of her 92nd birthday. Born on October 10, 1934, in Bethune, SC, she was a daughter of Neil Truesdell and Sarah Heustess Truesdell.

Mrs. Seastrunk was a graduate of Newberry College and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbia. She worked as a social worker in Columbia and taught school for many years in Camden, SC, Columbia, SC, and Riverside, CA. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Beta Omega Chapter, for over 40 years.

She was a steadfast support to her husband throughout his military career as they made their home in Germany and across the United States, from the East Coast to the West. She loved to travel throughout Europe and across the States, and her home was filled with treasures from those adventures, each with a story behind it.

She had a gift for rising to any occasion, quietly taking on whatever was needed wherever they lived, whether that meant playing the organ with a little one at her feet or any number of other endless tasks. She simply took it all in stride.

Affectionately known as "Sissy Belle" to her beloved husband, "Mom" to her children, and "Sissy" to her grandchildren and great-grands, she was the matriarch of the family and a source of wisdom and love, always putting the needs of others above her own. She was a wonderful listener and the one everyone could turn to, always checking on those she loved. Tiny but mighty, she had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. As a hostess, she was creative and gracious, making every holiday and special event feel truly magical.

She was a constant and loving presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always showing up to cheer them on at their many activities, from ice skating to baseball and everything in between. Her love was felt not only in her words, but in the time she devoted to being there for every milestone, performance, and game.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 71 years, Chaplain Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., Lt. Col., US Air Force (Ret.); son, Col. Charles E. Seastrunk, III, US Army (Ret.) (Joy); daughter, Susan Rosales (David); sister, Kathryne Rebecca Frazier (William); grandchildren, Stephanie Hill (Martin) and Caitlin Nates (Jeremy); great-grandchildren, Aubrey Hill, Aiden Nates, Deacon Nates, and Olivia Nates; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Althea Truesdell, and a grandson, Joshua Blankenship.

The funeral service for Mrs. Seastrunk will be held at 10:30 o'clock, Wednesday, October 14th, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull St, Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at 12 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service, at the church, beginning at 9:30 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Newberry College Scholarship Fund, 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108.