Donna Lynne Seaton

Donna Lynne Baxley Seaton was born in Pensacola, Florida on December 10, 1954 as the first child of parents Don and Charlotte Baxley. Her birth was followed by the coming of three brothers: Bob (1956), Jim (1958) and David (1966). As a child, she lived in a number of places as her father served in the US Navy, followed by the US Air Force. Donna met Jim Seaton at a summer dance in Porterville, CA in 1969. They became close over a dissection assignment when Jim was a teacher's assistant in biology. Donna, feeling squeamish over the dissection, was assisted by Jim and a romance was born! Donna won the Junior Miss competition for Tulare County in 1972 and went on to the state competition in Santa Rosa that same year. Jim and Donna dated in high school and college, and eventually married on August 23,1975.

Jim and Donna both attended Point Loma College in San Diego (now Point Loma Nazarene University), where they traveled during spring break for the College in the musical group Inner Peace. Upon their graduation in 1976 Donna began her career in the paint industry starting at Sinclair Paints in Escondido.  After four years at Sinclair, she was hired by Nick Frazee to start the Architectural Division for Frazee Paint in San Diego. Donna rose in the industry eventually becoming the Vice President of Frazee Paint as well as a member of Color Guild International. She stayed with Frazee Paint as it was bought by Mexico based Comex Paint and finally by Sherwin-Williams Paint, where she finished her career as a National Sales Executive. In 1985, Donna became the second recipient of the YWCA award to Women in Industry. She also gained national recognition for her Commitment to Excellence by Sherwin-Williams in January
2017. Donna retired in January of 2018.

Donna was the loving mother to two boys: Jeffrey Scott Seaton {born March 1989} and Jonathan Michael Seaton {born October 1993}. Always active in their sports, music, school work, and church, Donna had pride in her two children and supported them as they grew into young adults. Donna was active in the various churches that Jim served at throughout their marriage. She was a superb pianist and enjoyed singing in the choir and in the music group called Christ Church Connection. Outside of music, Donna held a number of positions in the life of the church such as wedding coordinator, trustees, and finance. Not surprising that she also managed to properly care for every church her and Jim were
part of with fresh paint!

Donna had a deep and mature faith in God. She and Jim had countless discussions on faith, spirituality, and justice issues. She was a partner with Jim in serving others less fortunate: homeless, hungry, and those disenfranchised. In retirement she began the process to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children. Only her decline health prevented her from completing this. Donna also enjoyed people She entertained, greeted, and chatted with people
before and after church and selflessly listened to others.

Donna was the love of Jim’s life. She was faithful and committed and a true life-long partner. Jim valued her insight and perspective, as they enjoyed each other's humor. She had a laugh that was captivating and contagious.

Donna was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in January 2019. Thus began a rapid decline in her health as the disease became aggressive. Donna died very peacefully of the disease on September 29, 2022. We hold her in our hearts.

To quote the late writer/poet John O’Donohue in his blessing Eternal Circle:
May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart,
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.

Donna is survived by:
Jim Seaton, husband, Jeff and Jon Seaton, sons
Bob, Jim and David Baxley, brothers
Cassi (Baxley) Currie, Sarah (Baxley) Burch, Book Baxley, nieces
Christopher Thomas and Cameron Baxley, nephews

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s San Diego: alzsd.org




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