By Helen Porter
Family and friends came from various cities across the states to surprise long-time San Diego resident Nancy E. Seals, who was blessed to celebrate her 100th birthday on September 21st, 2024.
Nancy and her late husband Phillip Seals Jr. relocated to San Diego in 1950. They raised 6 children (George Seals, Joe Seals, James “Skip” Seals, Germaine Seals Nailon, Denise Seals Kelley, and Felicia Seals Means-Carpenter).
Nancy is the last of 8 siblings and so blessed to look nothing close to her age. At the ripe age of 100, she has 18 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Until the age of 75, Nancy managed and helped her son run the well-known “Skip’s Car Wash” on Skyline Drive, where everyone who was anyone came on a Saturday morning to meet and greet one another, discuss community events, and share memories, love, and laughter while getting their vehicles cleaned and shined.
Nancy recruited and hired family, friends of family, and those who felt unemployable. At her age, she can recount some of San Diego’s history back to the 1950s during segregation, and more.
To sit and listen to her storytelling is a true blessing and honor. When people ask her what her secret is for longevity her response is, “My dad raised herbs and we ate off the land.” She is an avid Word Search Puzzle enthusiast, and walking and shopping is her best therapy, along with car rides.
Nancy sat in awe and was brought to tears on several occasions as people came up to her to say, “Happy 100th Birthday”. You can hear her saying, “People really do love me!”
Thank you Nancy E. Seals for your 100 years!!!
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