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GATES – Edith Holmes Freeman Seiling, 105, of Gates, NC, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in her home where she was being cared for by family.

Mrs. Seiling was born in Gates County on January 9, 1919, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Ray and Virginia Elizabeth Pittman Freeman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Sylvester Seiling; son-in-law, Michael Douglas Lefler; sister, Anita Freeman Godwin; and by brothers, Joseph Ray Freeman, Jr. and Julian Pittman Freeman.

Following her formal education at Meredith College, Mrs. Seiling was first employed as a Lab Technician with the former Lakeview Hospital in Suffolk, VA and then later worked with both the Gates County Health Department and Dr. Plyler for 15 years. The most fulfilling part of her career was as a Truant Officer with Gates County Schools where she helped so many people which had positive and lasting effects on their lives for years to come. A lifelong and faithful member of Reynoldson Baptist Church where she served the church in many capacities, she also enjoyed membership in Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, and had served as President of the Gates County Historical Society for forty-five years. She had a love of history, having written several books and thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to assist others with her expertise in genealogical research. Among her many other enjoyments in life, she loved different forms of art: china painting, as well as working with acrylics and decoupage.

Surviving is her daughter, Margaret Seiling “Peggy” Lefler; her son, William Franklin Seiling (wife, Amy), both of Gates; two granddaughters, Erin Seiling (husband, William Cole) of Raleigh and Sara Seiling Greene (husband, R.C.) of Lenior; two great-granddaughters, Teagan and Madeline; a niece, Anna Freeman Ward; and two nephews, Ray Freeman, III and Pitt Godwin.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church, and will be conducted by her pastor, The Rev. Cody Brinkley. Friends may visit with the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following services on Sunday. A private graveside service will be held by the family on Saturday in the church cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to her caregivers, Dr. Nash Mitrovic, MD, Mary Edla Buck, Linda Rose, Linda Hudgins, Sadie Riddick, Cathy Parker Collins, Leah Fay, and Cathy Vick, for the loving care provided to Mrs. Seiling in her time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Reynoldson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Gates, NC 27937, or to the Gates County Historical Society, in care of Barbara Wiant, P.O. Box 134, Gatesville, NC 27938.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.