Mary "Evelyn" McKinney Sexton

Mary Evelyn McKinney Sexton, 83, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.

Evelyn was born in Mitchell County on April 3, 1942 to the late Lawrence Robert McKinney and Grace Collis McKinney.

Evelyn retired from Baxter Healthcare after many years of service. A talented musician, she had a passion for music and could play any song on the piano by ear. She enjoyed reading, and she had a vast collection of books. Her favorite authors included James Patterson and John Grisham, but she especially enjoyed reading her Bible. Evelyn will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor as well as for her pumpkin pies that were a staple at every family Thanksgiving gathering. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Fraye Sexton; daughter, Nancy Sanders; and six siblings, Robert Lawrence McKinney, Guy McKinney, Ralph McKinney, Jerry McKinney, Nina Bowman, and Mildred Guthrie.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sonya LaVonne Emery and husband Charles Emery, Allen Sexton, and Grace Rebecca McKinney; her granddaughters, Jessie Nichole Emery Massey and husband Michael Shayne Massey, and their daughter, Emma Grace, and Marcie Emery-Campbell and husband Daniel, and their children, Mattie and Liam. She is also survived by one sister, Nancy Hicks, and a number of nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Calvin McKinney and wife Brenda.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory.

Jesus Walked on the Water

By

Evelyn Sexton

1-12-05

Jesus walked on the water

one stormy night, He told

his Disciples; Everything is

all right. Peter said; Master

bid me come unto thee. Jesus

said; Come! Walk on the water

with me.

A light was shining from Heaven

so beautiful & bright, Jesus

walked on the water one Stormy night.

Jesus walks on the water for

you & me; He’s always there

his light we can see. He

holds out his hand, He Whispers

have faith, watch & see; you can

walk on the water with me.

When we have troubles

on life’s Stormy Sea, our

faith is weakened. We can not

see. Jesus say’s; I’m here

child, Look & See! Come! Walk

on the water with me.