Reverend Desiree Ann Lindsay (’87)
The following obituary was originally published by Legacy Obituaries and can be found here.
THE OBITUARY HONORING REVEREND DESIREE LINDSAY Reverend Desiree A. Lindsay was born on March 25, 1955, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Matthew and Edna Lindsay, formerly of Newberry, South Carolina. On June 26, 2026, Reverend Desiree A. Lindsay answered the Master’s call and entered eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Matthew Lindsay, Jr., of Bridgeport, Connecticut. She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted sisters, Deacon Cynthia Seabrook and Jacqueline Sutton, both of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Reverend Lindsay received her early education in the Bridgeport Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education, and a Sixth-Year Professional Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Bridgeport. In 1987, she received a Master of Divinity degree, with concentrations in Pastoral Psychology and New Testament, from Boston University School of Theology. Answering God’s call to ministry, Reverend Lindsay entered the ministry in January 1984 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
She was ordained an Itinerant Deacon during the African Methodist Episcopal Church Bicentennial Celebration in June 1987 and was ordained an Itinerant Elder in 1989 at Emmanuel AME Church in New York City.Known for her thoughtful preaching, deep knowledge of Scripture, and compassionate spirit, Reverend Lindsay ministered with wisdom, humility, and a heart wholly devoted to Christ. Throughout the next four decades, she faithfully served as an Associate Minister at Bethel AME Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut; Charles Street AME Church in Boston, Massachusetts; Bethel AME Church in Buffalo, New York; and Bethel AME Church in Greenwich, Connecticut.
After more than thirty years of faithful service as an associate minister, Reverend Desiree A. Lindsay was appointed Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, during the 173rd Session of the New England Annual Conference in April 2024. Her appointment to the pastorate was the culmination of decades of dedicated ministry, steadfast faith, and unwavering commitment to the call of God. Those who worshiped alongside her knew her as a faithful servant whose greatest desire was to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shepherd God’s people with grace and compassion.
Her ministry extended beyond the local church. She served as a Connecticut State STEM Consultant and later answered the call to chaplaincy, providing compassionate spiritual care as a trauma chaplain in Camden, New Jersey, and as a hospice chaplain in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through these ministries, she faithfully walked alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments, offering hope, comfort, and the assurance of God’s abiding presence.Education was one of Reverend Lindsay’s great passions. She devoted more than thirty years to teaching business education, adult education, and Spanish in Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut; Seabrook, New Jersey; and Brookline, Massachusetts.
She also shared her expertise as a grant proposal writer, helping organizations secure resources to strengthen their ministries and programs. A lifelong scholar, she could read the New Testament in its original Greek and possessed a working knowledge of the Spanish language. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Reverend Lindsay delighted in sharing knowledge with others. She especially enjoyed tutoring children, encouraging them to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Years ago, she combined her love of Scripture and learning by creating religious puzzles that inspired others to grow in their faith while enjoying God’s Word.
Reverend Lindsay’s heart for ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. She was truly a missionary at heart, always ready to serve, encourage, and help anyone in need. Her family lovingly recalls that she was the kind of person who would “give you the shirt off her back.” Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or practical assistance, she quietly demonstrated Christ’s love to everyone she met. Her commitment to serving others also included her involvement at Russell Temple CME Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she was an active member of the Gospel Choir and founded an After-School Head Start Program for children in the community.
She concluded her professional career in public service as an employee of the City of New Haven. Above all, Reverend Lindsay loved the Lord with her whole heart and unwavering faith. She often declared, “He can do what no other Holy Ghost power can do!” Her life reflected that conviction through her ministry, teaching, service, and steadfast witness. Her personal motto, Stay Blessed, became both her greeting and her prayer for everyone she encountered.
Reverend Desiree A. Lindsay leaves to cherish her precious memory her sisters, Deacon Cynthia Seabrook and Jacqueline Sutton; her sister-in-law, Tammy N. Lindsay of Bridgeport, Connecticut; her nieces and nephews: Leonard L. Lindsay (Devona), LaShanda C. Sutton, Ernest C. Seabrook (Christina), Brandon J. Seabrook, and Tianna S. Daniels-Lindsay; her great-nieces and great-nephews: DaShaun Lindsay, Tavon Lindsay, LaShaya C. Sutton, Elaijah Seabrook, Steven J. Bradford, Jr., Eyleyah Seabrook, Saniya J. Bradford, Kayden Daniels Martinez, Elayna Seabrook, Brandon J. Seabrook, Jr., Aiden Seabrook, Eva Seabrook, and Skylar Brown; eight great-great-nieces and nephews; her special cousin, Gloria Lindsay; her cherished friends, Reverend Ellis B. Louden, Debra Dean, and Vendette Thomas; her beloved church families of Bethel AME Church, Greenwich, Connecticut; Bethel AME Church, Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Russell Temple CME Church, Bridgeport, Connecticut; together with a host of cousins, extended family members, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her faith, wisdom, generosity, and love.
Though her earthly labor has ended, Reverend Desiree A. Lindsay’s legacy of faithful service, compassionate ministry, intellectual curiosity, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know and love her.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
Stay Blessed.
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