Judge Spencer B. Seaton Jr.

Judge Spencer B. Seaton Jr. Spencer B. Seaton Jr. was born on September 4,1958 to the late Spencer B. Seaton Sr. and Bernice Mason-Seaton at Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania. His mother passed away when he was five years old. Following his mother’s death Spencer’s father was instrumental in providing the guidance he needed. He was an only child. His grandmother, Mary Ada Seaton also helped raise him and was an impactful presence during his formative years. In addition to his father and grandmother, Ella Geraldine Brown, whom he affectionately called “Mom” was a loving and indispensable part of the village that fostered Spencer’s development. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church. He entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2026. Spencer was educated in the Chester Upland School District and was a proud member of Chester High School’s class of 1976 (“76ers 4 Life”). He continued his education at Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1980. While attending Cheyney, Spencer met his college sweetheart, the former Jill Harris, in the summer of 1978. After dating for several years, they married in 1984 and into this union were born two sets of fraternal twins: Spencer B. Seaton III, Jacqueline T. Seaton, Edward L. Seaton, and Jill B. Seaton (Baby Jill). After completing his undergraduate studies, he found an interest in mortuary science. In an effort to advance this interest, Spencer attended the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service (AAMIFS) in New York City. While attending AAMIFS, he spent much of his early professional life working in Chester Pennsylvania under the tutelage of the late Earl L. Foster, at the Earl L. Foster Funeral Home. His work in the mortuary business reflected a deep respect for dignity, life, and service. While he was working with Foster, Spencer’s continued passion for uplifting the youth led him to obtain employment with the state-run Bensalem Youth Detention Center, where his focus was on rehabilitation, structure, and accountability for youth awaiting court proceedings or placement. He was also employed by Girard College, an independent boarding school in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. In 1993, Spencer B. Seaton Jr. (Judge Seaton hereafter) was elected Magisterial District Judge for District Court 32–1–22 in Chester Pennsylvania. He served with distinction for four consecutive six year terms, retiring in 2021. His nearly three decades on the bench, made him one of the longest serving justices in Delaware County Pennsylvania. In his role, Judge Seaton was known for his fairness and deep compassion for the youth in the city of Chester. However, he was no nonsense and would give it to you “straight up and down like 6 o’clock!” and it was not uncommon to hear him occasionally shout “don't lean on my bench, it don't need ya help holding it up!" to defendants who had gotten a little too comfortable in the courtroom. Nonetheless, Judge Seaton used his position to offer guidance and hope to those given a second chance. An avid sports fan, Judge Seaton had a lifelong love for the Washington Commanders and basketball at all levels. In fact, he served as an assistant basketball coach at Chester High School and the Chester Police Athletic League (Chester PAL). Judge Seaton’s dedication to Chester youth extended beyond sports, to his work with the Boy Scouts and mentoring youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester. He also served as Chairman of the Chester Community Charter School and was affiliated with several fraternal organizations. Equally important, while he proudly claimed Cheyney University, often celebrated as “the nation’s first HBCU”, life had a sense of humor. Judge Seaton’s heart, and his family legacy, kept him firmly connected to Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, the first degree-granting HBCU, where his father and children were all proud Lions, and where he later served as a member of the Board of Trustees. In the long-standing debate over “who was first,” Judge Seaton embodied the best answer: Both mattered. Thus, proving that loyalty and love for Black education and excellence never required choosing just one campus. Moreover, Judge Seaton leaves a lasting legacy of public and community service, mentorship, and leadership; he lived by the mantra he carried close to his heart: “May the work that I do speak for me.” He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Mason-Seaton, father, Spencer B. Seaton Sr., his father‘s longtime companion, Ella Geraldine Brown, grandmother, Mary Ada Seaton, and his son Khalif Dennis. He is survived by: Jill Harris-Seaton, his daughters: Kia Davis, Mercedes Dennis, Jacqueline “Jackeé” T. Seaton, and Jill B. Seaton, and his sons: Khalid Dennis, Spencer B. Seaton III, and Edward L. Seaton. Judge Seaton is also survived by his grandchildren. He was a devoted grandfather, whose love was evident in the affectionate names he gave them: Makayla (Short Legs), Lael (Deuce), Kree (The Dream) and Nasir (Nas). Longtime childhood friend, William Badie (“Uncle Bill”). Consequently, Judge Seaton is also survived by a plethora of extended family members, church family, former colleagues, mentees and friends.

Judge Spencer B. Seaton Jr.

September 4, 1958 - January 1, 2026