I know I was always a little bit crude for John, but I made him laugh, and he made me laugh. He was very well loved. Sylvia, my heart is broken for you.

I’m so sorry to learn of John’s death. I had the privilege of working with him on the Library of Congress’s Bicentennial of Congress exhibit — a big project that meant that we worked together a lot for over a year. I hadn’t been out of college more than a few years, and John was a wonderful early influence. His gentle manner, scholarly knowledge, and willingness to encourage a historian-in-the-making had a profound influence on me. He’ll be missed by scholars as well as friends and family. I send him my heartfelt thanks for his friendship.

John and I were graduate students in history at Tulane University in the mid-sixties. The program was small and John and I became good friends. A shared background in the Baptist Church strengthened our bond: I had left the church when I enrolled in college and he was a lapsed Baptist minister. It seems like both of us found new spiritual homes in the Episcopal Church. John renewed his license in the ministry to conduct the marriage ceremony for me and my fiancé, Lee, in 1966. That was just one example of his kind and giving nature. The humanities job market was glutted in the sixties when John and I received our PhDs. I was fortunate to land a professorship but John had no takers. But he did secure a position at the Library of Congress and went on to have a distinguished career there. While John would have been a great classroom teacher, I am convinced that the results of his work at the Library of Congress were unsurpassed in the advancement of learning. His contributions will be enduring. John and I saw each other only sporadically at meetings and rare visits after leaving Tulane but we thoroughly enjoyed those moments, and most especially those including Sylvia and my wife. Rest in peace my friend; you will be missed.

It’s hard to put into words how we feel about the loss of this great historian and wonderful human being, so we’ll quote one of our favorite movies: “But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone. I guess I just miss my friend.” Our thoughts go to Sylvia, the love of John’s life, who hopefully can be comforted by knowing that others who loved him will make sure she is not alone. We won’t be with John and his family today due to a trip that could not be postponed, but we’ll be down to Port Royal upon our return. in the meantime, we shall hold John in the light, as the Friends do.

I met Dr. Sellers and the love of his life Sylvia about 10 years ago and I was instantly blown away by the two of them. We first became friends and then more like family… I learned more about President Lincoln than I ever did in school. We were never at a loss as to what we could talk about… if we weren’t discussing Lincoln our next favorite topic was his horses. But no matter how long we were together the conversation would always end up with John discussing the most important thing in his life and that was Sylvia. John I promised you that I would help Sylvia in any way that I can and I meant what I told you. So between your daughter Lee and her family and I we will make sure that Sylvia will be taken care of… Rest in Peace my friend John… Maria

I first met the Sellers when I was a teenager and we had a boat (SEA HAWK) berthed near theirs in Piney Narrows Yacht Haven. I always admired the fact that John and his wife commuted into DC from Kent Island on a Harley. We lost touch over the years, and both of my parents (John and Ginnabeth Butts) have since passed away. But I always thought about the Sellers and thrilled to see John featured on a history program about Abraham Lincoln! I would love to come to the service tomorrow, but I have another funeral to attend at my home church, otherwise, I would be there. I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be of assistance or comfort at this time. Every blessing! Allison Butts Roulier