Carol J. "Maga" Seymour

Carol Jean Seymour, affectionately known as "Maga" by everyone who knew and loved her, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born on December 31, 1946, in Lancaster, New Hampshire, the fifth of nine children born to Carolyn Curtis and Orville Lurvey. She always joked that every New Year's Eve the entire world was celebrating Maga's birthday, making her special day one big celebration.

She moved to New Orleans, Louisiana at a young age where she attended and graduated from L.E. Rabouin Vocational High School, Class of 1964, where she excelled in sewing. Her talent quickly led to a position at the Cinderella Knitting Mill in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Maga had a remarkable gift for creating beautiful things with her hands. Whether she was sewing, crocheting, baking, decorating cakes, woodworking, or making jewelry, there seemed to be nothing she couldn't do. She lovingly created countless prom dresses, wedding gowns, and even a few wedding cakes for family and friends over the years. She also loved to read and was a familiar face every Friday evening at the VFW, where she was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Friday night bingo with her friends became one of her favorite outings.

After her years at the knitting mill, she became a school bus driver for the Ocean Springs School District, allowing her to be on the same schedule as her children. She treasured the summers, holidays, and countless family adventures that came with that career.

She earned the cherished nickname "Maga" from her oldest granddaughter, who couldn't quite pronounce "Grandma" and the name stuck. Before long everyone called her Maga. She embraced the title with pride, becoming not only a grandmother to her own family but the "cool grandma" to everyone who knew her. She was feisty, quick-witted, and just a little spicy when necessary—qualities that made her even more lovable. Her warmth, humor, creativity, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Ennis Seymour, who will miss her beyond measure; her children, Melanie Webster (Jody), Matthew Blanchard (Ja'Net), Monica Birchfield (Pete), and Tracy Seymour (Leslie); 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, James Lurvey, Wayne Lurvey, Brian Lurvey, and Joey Masgula; her sister, Beverly Ambrozewski; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

To know Maga was to love her. Whether she was making something beautiful with her hands, sharing a laugh over a game of bingo, or opening her heart to family, friends, neighbors, and even those she had just met, she made everyone feel welcome and loved.

At every family gathering, holiday, or neighborhood get-together, there was one phrase that could always be heard: "I love my Maga!" It became a playful competition, with children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends all insisting they loved her the most. That simple tradition perfectly reflected the impact she had on the lives of so many. She had a rare gift for making every person feel special, and because of that, everyone believed she was their Maga.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that the love, laughter, creativity, and countless memories Maga gave us will live on for generations. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospice of Light for their excellent care.

A funeral service will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Carol J. Seymour.