Aliyah Simone Seaman, at the tender age 10, passed from this earthly life on Oct. 7. Aliyah, the lively girl with the round face and big eyes, was born on Jan. 3, 2001, in Lewiston, Maine, and grew up in both Maine and Georgia.
Aliyah joyfully packed so much in her 10 years; much more than many of those three times her age have been able to do. She was an interested and multi-talented child. She was a regular and active member of the Arts Association's Oxford Singing Children in both the musical programs, theatre and dance performances. She was a student of Tiger Graham Institute of Arts. Dancing was among her most favorite things to do. She was a part of Mainstream Dance where she did hip-hop. Aliyah was a consistent honor roll student who also enjoyed reading and swimming among other favorites. She was often seen in pink, her favorite color, and loved ribs, sweet tea and root beer.
For desert she enjoyed cherry ice cream and grapes. She enjoyed walks with family and playing with neighbors and friends. She was very civic -minded dedicating herself to fundraising activities.
She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking and interestingly was a coupon clipper. Aliyah was among the finalist in the American Model Search and Talent Competition and she performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for her solo. She was a true fashionista, changing sometimes three and four times a day. While at Washington Street, she participated in a music program where she was the youngest member under Mr. T.K. Adams' direction.
Aliyah was in fifth grade at Porterdale Elementary School. Her favorite subjects were reading and math as well as history. She was part of the Quest program for high achieving students. Her favorite books to read were "Matilda" and "Junie Bean." Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She was passionate about drawing. Aliyah had just received a beautiful black puppy, Sirius, weeks ago and she enjoyed taking the responsibility of the new addition to the family
Aliyah was one amazing child. She loved life and adventures and took several trips to Disney World where dreams come true with her loving Me-Me, Cousin Tati, Sister Shantel and Mama Deans.
Aliyah surely would have made a noticeable mark on this world as she did in her short years. She touched people of all ages, races and walks of life. She spent time in Jamaica with her Grandma Rowe and relatives where she loved Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Her grandma had a nickname for her, Chimpton, in place of Seaman. Aliyah enjoyed Girl Scouts, 4-H and Pearl of Essence, a leadership development club at her school. She also enjoyed drama at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, participated in the Washington Street dance and drama programs and participated in praise dance, Sunday school and the choir at Grace United Methodist Church. She enjoyed vacation Bible School. She slept with her Bible under her pillow. Aliyah didn't meet a church she didn't like and attended many denominations in her short years. She wrote a song entitled, "I Love You Lord" almost two years to the day of her passing Oct. 13, 2009.
She always wanted to try her hand as a cheerleader. For a profession she wanted to be a lawyer or a veterinarian.
She is survived by her mother Ingrid Sophia Seaman; stepfather Eric Seaman; dad Jerry Means; godmother Deidre Deans; and sisters Shantel Tamara Seaman, India Means, Jeri Means, Tayjah Means; brother Jabari Means; paternal grandparents Jerry and Georgina Means; maternal grandparents Hyacinth Rowe and Neville Williams; Auntie Simone; Tricia and uncle Shavar; Duane, Michael and Tyrone and the multitude of grand-aunts, grand-uncles and extended family, loved ones who are sorely grieved with Aliyah's untimely passing.
Aliyah is a shining star and a gift from God. We love and surely miss her. We are sorry you have gone so soon and love you deeply and forever.
Aliyah you are with God up in heaven.
Viewing will be from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Young Funeral Home, 3106 West Ave. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at First Presbyterian Church, 1169 Clark Street. For friends and family who wish to contribute to a memorial fund in Aliyahâs honor, there will be an account set up for this purpose. Donations will be gratefully accepted by the family and can be given to the funeral home or brought to the funeral. Contact ddeans42@gmail.com with any further information.
