Faye Johnson Seals

Elsie Faye Johnson Seals, 90, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Williamsport Cemetery with Rob Johnson officiating. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Faye was born November 8, 1935, to the late John Vanleer Johnson Sr. and the late Frances Locke Johnson. She was a 1953 graduate of Columbia Central High School, where she was active in the Central Band, served as head majorette, and was president of the Sub Deb Club.

Following high school, Faye attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she pursued her interests in communications and music, particularly voice. She was a member of the Stephens Concert Choir and traveled with the choir during Spring Break.

In 1955, Faye began her career in Nashville at WSIX, an ABC affiliate, where she served as manager of the station's music library. She was also a charter member of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) in Nashville.

In 1961, Faye went to work for Trans World Airlines (TWA), where she served as city ticket manager. She continued in that position until 1964, when she met and married Robert “Bob” Seals. They lived in Nashville before moving to Columbia in the fall of 1975.

Faye will be remembered for her love of music, her accomplished career in radio and aviation, and her devotion to her family.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Ashley Petty, and son-in-law, Ross Petty, both of Spring Hill.

In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Seals; daughters, Teresa Faye Seals Binkley and Melissa Frances Seals Petty; and brother, John “Jack” V. Johnson Jr.