Margaret Seawright Rumph

More than an obituary for our sister Margaret Seawright Rumph… it is a tribute of a life well lived…a life of purpose. Margaret passed peacefully on January 11, 2021, at Southern Medical Center, Manahawkin, NJ. In like a lion and out like a lamb. That pretty much described Margaret’s birth. She was born to John and Charlotte Seawright, Sr., a raging flood on March 5, 1934, in New Brunswick, NJ. She enjoyed telling how the doctor arrived in a rowboat. Her dramatic birth earned her the nickname “flood baby”. She was born third of eleven children, to John and Charlotte Seawright, Sr. She was proud of her ancestral roots (Sea Islands, Charleston and Orangeburg), South Carolina. Margaret attended New Brunswick public schools. She married young, and briefly moved to Florida. After her divorce, Margaret returned with her young son to New Brunswick; to raise him among her large and loving family. She had a strong work ethic (which she credited to her parents). She worked in various vocations to provide for her son. She worked in the high risk baby unit at Middlesex General Hospital. She ultimately went to work at EB Squibb in New Brunswick, NJ. She was proud to be the first woman in a male dominated work unit at Squibb. She had worked at Squibb for over 35 years when she retired. Margaret had a dynamic personality, direct in her manner and speech. Everyone knew where they stood with her; known for telling it like it is. One nephew called her personality a firecracker. She was outspoken, and did not hold back her opinions. She was sassy and made no excuses for it. Many said you couldn’t find a better loving and caring friend. She was a strong Black woman, with courage and confidence. In her adult life, she was often called “Ms. Diva”. Her fashion style was elegant and well put together. She made a classy statement with her color coordinated hats and outfits. She read two newspapers everyday. She loved her two poodles, Chinese food, New York sports teams and talking to great nephew Stefan on FaceTime and the telephone. Above all else, Margaret loved her church and cherished praising the Lord. She loved to read her bible. She was a life long devoted member of Mt. Zion AME Church, in New Brunswick, NJ. She had a beautiful voice and sung in several church senior choirs (Mt Zion AME and First Baptist). “I Won’t Complain” was her favorite spiritual. When asked how she was doing, she’d always reply, “I Won’t Complain, the Lord is good to me.” In retirement, Margaret dedicated her free time to the churches and communities of New Brunswick and Franklin Township. She served on numerous committees and boards; Stewards, Usher and Missionary, Nurses Unit and Mt. Zion Seniors. She was an early member of the 78 year old Citizens Club of Franklin Township. She co-founded the Ebony Suburbanites, a debutant organization for young girls. She was a member of the Senior Fellowship Ministry at First Baptist church. She was a long-standing member of the B.P.O.E. Elks in New Brunswick, NJ. She was a soup kitchen volunteer and was generous with her time and loved helping people. She is survived by: two brothers and one sister: brothers James Seawright of Temple Hills, MD, Joseph (Rosalind) Seawright of Barnegat, NJ, sister Beverley (Blair) Taliaferro of Cleveland,OH, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by: her parents John and Charlotte Seawright, Sr, son Steven Rumph, and seven brothers and sisters: Rachel McNair, Elizabeth Ransom, John Seawright, Jr., Charles (Seawright) Seright, Micheal Seawright, Lois Brewer, and Joyce Seawright. And her beloved poodles: Pierre and Tiffany. Born in a storm, and she had that personality, she was called home like a lamb, pain free and peaceful. Margaret was God’s awesome gift to us. She was a loving and caring person. She made the world a better place for having been here. Thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff at Barnegat Rehab and Nursing Center in Barnegat, NJ. A private cremation was held on January 15, 2021. An Interment ceremony to place her ashes in her son Steven’s final resting place, will be announced at a later date. A Memorial to honor Margaret, will be announced in the very near future.

Margaret Seawright Rumph

March 5, 1934 - January 11, 2021