Teresa Sexton, 64, of Newport, departed this life on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on July 30, 1960, to Matthew Wilson and Patricia Anne Lenz.
Teresa was a woman of deep faith, rooted in her Christian belief, and found great comfort and joy in reading her Bible. She had a creative spirit, expressed through her love of crocheting, painting, and collecting charming village displays. A green thumb at heart, she delighted in gardening and nurturing her plants, bringing beauty to her surroundings.
Teresa cherished simple pleasures like exploring flea markets and discovering hidden treasures. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her boundless happiness and pride.
She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Jimmy Sexton, with whom she shared over thirty years of marriage filled with love and companionship.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew Wilson and Patricia Anne Lenz; her grandmother, Alda John; her sister, Roberta Jacobs; her Great-Granddaughter, Octavia Allen; and her cousin, Mark Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Jimmy; her sons, Bobby Mathew Leonard of Dexter, Missouri, T.J. Leonard and wife Samantha of Newport, Ricky Yandell and wife Michelle of Newark, and Arkie Jacobs; her daughters, Tricia Twisdale of Tennessee; Brenda Hood and husband Darrin of Fisk, Missouri, Tabatha Storms and husband John of Michigan, Amie Sexton of Searcy, and Mandy Flaherty of Corning; twenty-two grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever treasure her kindness, warmth, and love.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bobby Leonard, T.J. Leonard, Chris Liles, Cody Johnson, Ricky Yandell, and Jack Franks. The honorary pallbearer is Cody Sample.
A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held Monday, January 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Dillinger Funeral Home chapel with Charlie Churchman officiating to honor her memory and the joy she brought to those who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. A visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
