Joe Russell Sexton

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Heaven gained a precious soul, JOE RUSSELL SEXTON. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born on December 10, 1956, to Herman and Lilly Sexton. His heart desire was to spread the word of God. Joe is preceded in death by his father Herman Sexton; his mother Lilly Sexton; his sister Lois Thompson; his two brother’s David and James (Butch) Sexton; two great-granddaughters Skylar Baker and Izzabella Brown; and a great grandson Devlin Norvell.

He is survived by his wife Diane Jackson Sexton; daughter Stephanie (David) Williams; son Michael Sexton; his grandchildren Meghan Baker, Joey Jordan, Madeline Sexton, Hannah Sexton, Lucien Sexton (who has raised as a son), Lyllien Sexton and Angelea Norvell; his great grandchildren Emilee Baker and Lori Rose Baker; his sister Ruth Sexton; many nieces, and  nephews; as well as his and Diane’s youth group, many of whom consider him a second father.

He began his ministry as a youth leader in 1982, at a small church in South Point, Ohio. To this day, many of those youth still have contact with him, and feel his influence in their lives still. He also pastored several churches, as well as served as a State Overseer in the Pentecostal Church of God. Joe was a veteran, having joined the Marines in 1974.

His love for his family was immeasurable. Diane and Joe were inseparable. His daughter, son and grandchildren brought him great joy, and he always wanted them around him. He also had a close relationship with nieces and nephews. He loved his sister Ruth, very much. His father-in-law Gordon Jackson was very special to him. Also, his son-in-law, David (Will) Williams, was loved very deeply by Joe, and the love was reciprocated, as David cared for Joe in his last days lovingly, as if he were his own father.

Joe shared a 40+ year friendship with Reverend Andrew Jenkins, that though time and distance didn’t allow them to get together as often as they would have liked, the respect and love never faded, and the friendship remained as strong as ever.

In the past three years, an old friend David Finley came back into Joe’s life. The friendship that was from years ago, seemed as if there was never any time gap, and became so strong and so full of love, that a bedroom was created in Joe and Diane’s home, so Dave & his wife could stay more often.

The legacy this man has left will go on, and there is no doubt where Joe is. Joe promised Diane he would be waiting by the river of life for her.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Jenkins and Brother David Finley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Muncy Family Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at noon.  While flowers are appreciated, donations are suggested and can be made by selecting the "Donations" tab above.

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