Mrs. Donna Lee Byard Sealey BA; B ED; MA
Historian, Researcher, Author, Retired Teacher

Donna Lee Byard Sealey went home to be with her Lord and savior on Sunday November 8, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by son Lemuel (Angela), granddaughters Acacia, Jaime and Aria; sister, Hazel (Ervin) Lucas of Ottawa, ON, and brother, Paul (Vicki) Byard of Truro. She was predeceased by her parents St.Clair and Gladys (Dorrington) Byard; sister, Dora (Albert) Willis; brother, Brian (Beverly) Byard and former husband, Dr. Lemuel R.V. Sealey Sr. Born in Truro on September 6,1940, Donna accepted the lord into her life at an early age, joining Zion United Baptist Church at age 15. Her perseverance, faith and interest in social justice have been evident throughout her life, during her upbringing in Truro, to her life in Dartmouth.
As a historian, researcher, author and teacher, she has contributed to the history, heritage and uplifting of black communities in Nova Scotia.
Throughout her 34 year career as an educator she worked to represent black students and the challenges they have faced through systemic barriers in society. Donna began her teaching career at Herny G. Blaud School at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. In 1965, she was the first black teacher hired by the city of Dartmouth; teaching at Admiral Wesphal, North Brook, Notting Park, Crighton Park and Bicentennial Schools. Donna’s research on black students within the Dartmouth School system was used as the foundation for the founding of the Transition Year Program (TYP) committee at Dalhousie University in 1971.
Donna was dedicated to researching and accurately documenting black history in Nova Scotia. She extensively researched and self-published, “Colored Zion”; a history of Zion United Baptist Church and the Black Communities in Nova Scotia for which she received the Heritage Award from the Truro Historical Society.
Donna has worn many hats as a volunteer and as a historian and used her talent to be a genealogical consultant and guest speaker. Always a woman of faith, she was an active member of Victoria Road United Baptist Church and has served as a Chairperson of The Ladies Auxiliary Program Committee and Secretary of the Victoria Road Seniors Club. As an 18 year cancer survivor, she has counseled others throughout their journeys and battles with cancer and other illnesses. Donna was an advocate for seniors; as she offered rides, baked dinners and received great joy visiting elders in the community. Throughout her life Donna has used her talents to advance the progress of the people; and to speak for those who have suffered and to uplift those who have been down.



The family will receive visitors Thursday, November 12th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 pm with a Ladies Auxiliary service at 7 p.m. and a Funeral Service to be held Friday at 1 p.m. all in Atlantic Funeral Home 771 Main Street, Dartmouth. A committal service will be 1pm Saturday at Zion United Baptist Church, Prince Street, Truro followed by the burial in Truro Cemetery
Donations can be made to Victoria Road United Baptist Church, Victoria Road, Dartmouth or Zion United Baptist Church, Prince Street, Truro. Many thanks and prayers, to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the QEII and the many family and friends for their love, concern, support and prayers throughout her illness and time in hospital. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)

Keep me humble dear Lord
Let Thy mercy be my guide