Obituary

Nelda Crotwell Seal

May 18, 1933 - April 28, 2025

Nelda Crotwell Seal, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025 near Bogalusa, Louisiana. She was a native of Walker, Louisiana and a graduate of Walker High School. She lived a full life devoted to faith, education, family, and missions in Louisiana and around the world. Formerly of Alexandria, Louisiana, where she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She most recently resided near Bogalusa, close to her son.

Nelda graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, where she also met the love of her life, Henry Lavelle Seal. Together, they built a life rooted in service and purpose. Nelda went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

She began her career in education, later becoming a speech therapist in the Washington Parish School System and in private practice. In 1986, she began a new chapter, serving as Executive Director of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) at the Louisiana Baptist Convention where she was instrumental in planting and guiding many churches in Louisiana. Her leadership and passion for missions later led her to serve in the same role at the Texas Baptist Convention.

Missions were central to Nelda’s life. While studying at seminary, she served as a missionary in Alaska, and over the years, traveled to dozens of countries, planting churches and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of all her travels, the mission to China held a special place in her heart.

Nelda also loved reading, cooking, and spending cherished time with family at her cabins in the Smoky Mountains. She held many titles throughout her life—Christian, daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother—but her favorite role was "NaNa." Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Lavelle Seal; her parents, Hermon Crotwell, Sr. and Eula Summers Crotwell; siblings Hermon Crotwell Jr., Dalton Crotwell, and Gloria Crotwell Graham.

She is survived by her sons, Ryan B. Seal (Tonia) of Bogalusa, Louisiana and Tim Seal of Alexandria, Louisiana; grandchildren Presley, Annabella, and Gentry Seal of Bogalusa, and Timothy Seal, Jr. of Pineville, Louisiana; a special sister-in-law Evelyn Crotwell of Denham Springs; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Bonnie Cemetery in Angie, Louisiana immediately following the service.

Nelda lived a life of purpose, driven by a deep calling to serve. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering dedication to the Great Commission.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lavelle and Nelda Seal – Georgia Barnette State Mission Foundation at P.O. Box 311, Alexandria, Louisiana 71309.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.