Friends, family, colleagues, and associates, we have a family in need that we can all help; This woman is a mother of 7, grandmother of 2, wife, sibling, and friend to many. Her peaceful spirit will last in our hearts forever. She appreciated everything around her and now we will always and forever appreciate her love on this Earth.

This woman is my sister, Iyahmena Seaton, who was tragically killed on April 7, 2023, after being hit by a vehicle while walking in the crosswalk on Walnut and Poplar St. in Carbondale, Illinois. My sister is not only a mother of 7 children and a grandmother to twins recently born, she was a joy to have in our lives. As an oldest child, she not only helped raise my siblings and I, she also raised her children in Carbondale. Iyahmena appreciated being able to walk anywhere she wanted in this town, always enjoying those walks.

This past Good Friday she was on her way home from visiting with family, walking on West Poplar, when a car came out of nowhere and struck her, fatally injuring her. My mother notified me of the wreck and I immediately boarded a plane headed to Illinois. I am in shock. I am devasted. I hurt for her children... 6 girls that will miss out on the best sibling I could ask for. It’s still hard to process all the information while planning Iyahmena's homegoing services. My siblings and I are focused on my nieces, nephews, and great-nephews, but we are ultimately worried about the financial burden her children will endure. Their father is present, but is processing things just as hard as we are. My siblings, cousins, aunties, and friends want to make sure my mom will mentally make it through this time as well as make sure her children are taken care of without worrying about paying for a funeral. We’re asking for monetary donations to assist with the funeral and a new living arrangement for her children... they are unable to cope with being in a home that reminds them of their beautiful mother on a daily basis.

If you’re unable to help financially, we are also accepting clothing, food, scholarships, and any other resources we can facilitate. I don't live in Carbndale, but will be spending a lot of time there to get everyone settled; If you would like to donate items, please send a message so dropoff/pickup can be coordinated through family members.

Her son wears small in men's, her girls wear sizes as follows: junior/adult M/S, 16, 10/12, 6x, 4T and 8 in shoes. Thank you in advance for your love. God will prevail!

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Wake will be held at Southern Cremation from 5pm-7pm on Friday, April 21st. The funeral will be located at New Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, April 22nd from 1pm-3pm.