On Friday, April 13, 2018, at 8:35 am, at Johnston Willis Hospital, Dwayne Antonio Seward, Sr. was enjoying a live guitar concert from his uncle, Michael Pitt, when he transitioned to heaven. Dwayne was born on July 9, 1965 in Richmond, Virginia. He was the oldest of three children born to Mr. George A. Seward, Jr. and Minister Janet (Pitt) Seward. Dwayne was a special and unique man who had many gifts and talents. He was an active and influential man in Petersburg, VA and was a star baseball, basketball, football player and boxer. He was a role model and inspiration to many, both young and old, and a loyal husband, father, friend, and mentor.

Dwayne began to make his mark early on as a leader, mentor and guiding light to his siblings. He was the oldest brother to the late Aaron M. Seward and his sister, Deacon Dena L. (Seward) Strange. He grew up in West Petersburg, VA and made Petersburg his home.

Dwayne was educated in the Petersburg Public Schools. He was a man that would not back down from challenges and confrontations. He persevered through all of life’s obstacles. Dwayne graduated from Richmond Technical Center at Another Level Advanced Academy, receiving a certificate of Barbering with academic honors and perfect attendance. He was last employed by QSI Sanitation.

Dwayne enjoyed many sports including baseball, basketball, boxing, and football - excelling in them all. He played in the Richmond Adult League and the Petersburg Recreation Flag Football League, winning multiple championships. He was a professionally trained boxer. His athletic talents and abilities allowed him to mentor to many men by sharing his life experiences and having “Real Talk” discussions.

Dwayne began his journey with the Lord at First Baptist Church in West Petersburg, where his grandmother, Mother Margaret Seward kept him faithfully involved and engaged. He ministered in song by singing praises to the Lord with his cousins. Dwayne was baptized and played the drums at Bethesda Bibleway Church in Petersburg, and he visited Star of Hope Ministries in Dinwiddie, VA. Later in his life, he attended Calvary Temple in Petersburg.

Dwayne’s life continues to be reflected in the lives of those that knew him best; his family and friends that he grew up with in both West Petersburg and Petersburg. Family will always remember his infectious smile and quick wit. You never knew what Dwayne was going to say. He would have you in stiches with his “Remember When” stories. Friends will continue to discuss and express in detail their many life changing moments shared with Dwayne for years to come.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his brother, Aaron M. Seward; mother-in-law, Rochell Parham; and grandparents, George A. Seward, Sr., William Pitt Jr. and Eloise Pitt.


Dwayne was a faithful husband and provider. He leaves to cherish his love and legacy: his wife, Laquall Gates-Seward. His legacy will also live on with his children, Dwayne A. Seward, Jr., Aaron A. Seward, Sr. and Breana Seward; with those he was a father figure to, Johntrell Finch, Zyliziaie Gates and Ceneeka Rich; and with La’nijah Finch to whom he was a grandfather figure. He also leaves to cherish: grandchild, Aaron A. Seward, Jr.; father, George A. Seward, Jr. (CoCo); mother, Minister Janet (Pitt) Seward; father-in-law, Timothy Parham; foster mother-in-law, Sonda Parham; sisters, Nanette Wiggins (Mark), Deacon Dena L. (Seward) Strange (Reverend Theodore), and Shaleta Carson; brothers, Tyree Lundy, and Marcellus Brown; brothers-in-law, Donell Parham and Timothy Parham; sister-in-law, Lachelle Gates; grandmother, Mother Margaret Seward; a devoted aunt, Missionary Joan Cunningham (Deacon Lester); a devoted cousin, Pamela Nicholas (Cecil Winfield); devoted friends, Elder Wesley Nicholas, Jr. (Elder Gayle), Anton Trotter (Cheryl); and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to list; however, never forgotten.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 6P.M. to 8P.M. and on Wednesday April 18, 2017 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. at J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.

A Christian Wake will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 6p.m. to 7p.m. at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God in Christ 233 Halifax St. Petersburg VA.

A Celebration of Life service for Dwayne A. Seward will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Ave. Petersburg Virginia. Rev. Wesley McLaughlin, Pastor. Overseer Arlie Lindsey will deliver the Eulogy and Elder Earl Tucker; Pastor of Star Hope Bibleway Dinwiddie VA will officiate. Interment will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The Family will assemble at 10:45 a.m. on the day of service and will receive relatives and friends at 1101 Beazley St. Petersburg Va.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonnandsons.com