Agnes Lucille (Wrye) Sexton

Agnes Lucille Wrye Sexton, age 84, went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on February 15, 2022. She passed away peacefully at her home in Morristown just 19 days after her husband of over 64 years, Sib Sexton. Neither died of COVID, but of natural causes.  Her desire was to outlive him so she could be a help to him until he died, which God allowed her to do. Agnes was born on March 21, 1937 to Ralph and Ruby Wrye in Miami, Florida.She was an avid readerand had a life-long love of learning.  She graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1955 where she was a member of the Cadettes. A favorite memory was marching as a Cadette in the half-time show at the Orange Bowl. At 14, she began working as a cashier at her uncle's grocery store until 1956when she left to attend dental hygiene school at UTCHS in Memphis, Tennessee. It was in Memphis that she met the love of her life,Dr. O. S. (Sib) Sexton, and married him on October 5, 1957 in the study of pastor R.G. Lee. After graduating from dental hygiene school in March 1958, she became the first dental hygienist on Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. She and Sib moved to Morristown in February 1959, where she was also one of the first Registered Dental Hygienists. Agnes, a city girl, embraced life in rural East Tennessee and together, she and Sib raised a family and built a successful dental practice in Morristown.  She worked alongside him and then her son, Greg, for over 50years as a Dental Hygienist, while also filling other office roles as needed.  Often, she would visit area schools to talk about dental health and encourage children to take care of their teeth.

Agnes was heavily involved in the local community. As a 35 year member of GFWC, she enjoyed participating in, organizing and leading many activities for Jr. Reading Circle and Ladies Reading Circle.  She was on the board of Friends of Hospice for 7 years and also volunteered at Life Outreach Center Resources in Jefferson City.  She was a consummate hostess as she hosted large and small gatherings and welcomed people into her meticulously kept, beautiful home.  No event was too large for her to undertake and her children remember the home being full of friends and family. Like her mother, she loved to garden and was a skilled seamstress.  Agnes loved to travel and was able to go to all 50 states and numerous countries on trips with her family and friends.  She was a wonderful trip planner and tour guide for family trips.

Most importantly, Agnes tried to serve her Lord Jesus with all of her being, faithfully attending and being involved in church until she was unable to do so. Then she worshipped and prayed at home. She had a heart for children especially those without as she supported children monthly and ministries worldwide.  She truly had a servant's heart and endeavored to honor the Lord in all she did.

Although Agnes never drew attention to herself, she had a profound impact on many. Her life was a great adventure as she supported her husband in faith, family, work and life. She was devoted to her family, as well as her friends and was always available tolisten and give wise advice.  She kept her children and grandchildren's smiles bright as Nana cleaned their teeth, and loved and supported them in every way possible, cheering for them in everything.  She was proud of and enjoyed those 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her gracious, loving, patient spirit is missed. She was loved by all who knew her, made a difference wherever she was and lived her life well. We rejoice that we will see her again. 

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. O. S. (Sib) Sexton and beloved son, Doug Sexton. Parents, Ralph and Ruby Wrye, and in-laws, O.S. and Rema Sexton. Dear brother, Charles Wrye, and brothers in law, Robert Tallent and recently Danny Williams.

Survived by children Suzanne (Max) Cook, Dr. Greg (Connie) Sexton of Morristown, Sharon(Justin) Wood of Harpenden, England, and daughter in law Alison Sexton Roberts of Knoxville. Grandchildren Emily(Jared) Reitnauer of Walla Walla, WA; David(Jennifer) Cook, William(Tabitha) Cook of Morristown; Rebecca(Bradley)Pruitt of Washburn, Richard Cook of Chattanooga, Thomas(Nancy) Cook of Johnson City, Samuel Cook of Knoxville, Catherine Cook of St. Louis, MO, Philip and Michael Cook of Morristown. Nolan(Rebecca) Sexton of Morristown, Gabe Sexton of Nashville, Kelli and Ian Sexton of Morristown. Grant (Emma) Sexton of Washington, DC; Ethan(Emma) Sexton, Trevor (Shannon) Sexton, Jillian, Spencer, and Leah Sexton of Knoxville. Finley and Rory Wood of Harpenden, England. Great grandchildren Adelle, Celia and Luke Reitnauer. Amaryllis, Violet and Iris Cook. Leeland Sexton and Fern Sexton. Brother, Major Ralph R. (Chris) Wrye, Ret. of Longwood, FL, sister in law Paula Wryeof Jacksonville, FL. Dr.Curtis (Carol) Sexton of Rocky Top, TN, Kay Tallent of Vonore, Dr. Ray O. (Courtney) Sexton of Memphis, Dwight(Jane) Sexton of Farragut, Rachel Williams of Dalton, GA and numerous much loved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

A private family burial was held on February 21, 2022 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens led by Pastor Jim Price. Pallbearers were grandsons David, Philip, Michael, Nolan, Gabe, Trevor and Spencer. Westside Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

A Celebration of Life service for both Agnes and her husband, Sib, will be held on Saturday July 30, 2022 at 3 pm at Manley Baptist Church (old auditorium) in Morristown, TN. The family will receive friends both before the service from 1-3pm and after at a reception in the church fellowship hall. Friends and family may come at their convenience. This service will also be livestreamed on Agnes' FB page for those unable to attend.

Memorial donations may be made to Serenity House/Friends of Hospice Morristown, Hope and Thrive Academy(HTA) Morristown, Life Outreach Center Resources, Jefferson City, or Isaiah 117 House, Hamblen County. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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