Herbert Michael Seward Jr.

Reverend Dr. Herbert Michael Seward, Jr. was born on March 12, 1959, the son of four children, to the late Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) Herbet Michael Seward, Sr. and Vivastine Wright Seward, in Mt.Clemens, Michigan. He departed this earthly life on Monday, October 7, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina. 

Growing up in a loving military family, Michael embraced Christ early in life, regularly attending church with his family. Due to his father’s deployments, Michael attended grade school overseas in Germany, Italy, France, Puerto Rico, and other countries. This experience gave Michael a unique global perspective in which he carried throughout his life. Around 1970, the Seward family settled in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where Michael, his siblings, and many cousins formed a close-knit family and became an integral part of the greater community. Known for their exceptional social gatherings, the Seward family loved to sing and entertain. Michael and his siblings often performed as a band, singing many Motown and spiritual classics. He often reminisced about his fond memories with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, Ruby, Daddy and Annie Wright and found joy in his large extended family. The Seward family attended Greater Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church (GMS), formerly known as Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where Michael served as a youth usher and sang in the choir. He attended Mt. Clemens Schools in the Macomb County School District and graduated from Mt. Clemens High School, where he excelled in sports, economics, computers, information technology, and entrepreneurship. 

Michael lived a joyous life, filled with laughter and love, and took great pride in his exceptional blended family. In 1980, he married Anita Douglas, and they welcomed many fond memories and a daughter, Dr. LeKeisha Douglas Seward Jackson. In 1986, Michael married Y’vonne Davis, created wonderful memories and welcomed a son, Michael Seward. In 1995, he married Francine, and their love, laughter, and unity continued until his passing. Many enjoyable memories were born of this union and they welcomed two sons and a daughter, Greg, Chantelle, and Aaron. Michael maintained close relationships with everyone until his departure. Together, they raised, loved, and cherished all their children. His journey through various marriages and the blending of families created a rich tapestry of relationships and treasured memories.

Michael was a passionate learner, a strategic thinker, and an entrepreneur. He pursued diverse educational paths, including engineering, information technology, media relations/graphic design, education, and theology. He earned his Doctorate in Ministry, Theology/Theological Studies from Logos University. Michael was an accomplished Telecommunications Engineer with over twenty five years of experience in IT, working for NASA, MCI Worldcom, Davidson Day School, and The Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Inc. Later in his career, he leveraged his unique blend of management, training, customer service, and technical skills to lead his own ventures: Logos Education Network, Heart To Heart Perfecting Ministries Inc., Superior ADS Services, and HMS Services, Inc.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, trials, and tribulations, Michael remained steadfast in his faith and the promises of God, which helped him triumph and serve as an inspiration to everyone he met. He was an active minister, volunteer, friend, trailblazer, and community activist, holding various leadership roles within the ministries at The Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Inc. Michael was also a dedicated mentor to young men pursuing international careers in engineering and sports. His God-given gifts and talents allowed him to wear many hats, but he cherished his roles as a husband and father above all else. In all his endeavors, Michael was known for his love, ability to connect with others, sense of humor, honesty, style, and that certain je ne sais quoi.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm, Monday, October 14, 2024 at Hartsell Funeral of Concord. The funeral service will be on Monday at 2:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral of Concord.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, friend, and mentor, CMSGT Herbert M. Seward, Sr.; his grandparents, Ruby L. Perkins, Mike Augustic Seward, and “Daddy” Ezra and Annie Wright; and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother, Vivastine Wright Seward; his aunt, Nellie Wright Martin; his uncle Theodis Seward; his wife, Francine Seward; his children, Dr. LeKeisha M. Douglas Seward Jackson (Derrick), Michael S. Seward, Greg Rice, Chantelle Rice Degree (O.J.), and Aaron D. Seward (Sophia); his grandchildren, Dakari Jones, Kalynn Jones, Olivia Degree, and Grace Seward; his brother, Steven Seward; his sisters, Wilma Seward Harris and Valerie Seward Konur (Seref); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

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