Emyl Sexton

JENKINS, Emyl, of Richmond, Virginia, born Mary Louise Joslin, passed away after a brief illness on April 27, 2010. She was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 1941, the daughter of Asher Langdon Joslin and Mildred Eloise Brockwell. She is survived by her husband, Robert M. Sexton; son, Langdon Jenkins of Ballston Spa, New York, wife, Amy, and their sons, Levi and Wesley; daughter, Joslin Jenkins Hultzapple of Richmond, husband, Mike, and their sons, Benjamin and Matthew; stepdaughter, Erika Brent Sexton Hollen of Richmond and her husband, Scott. She was a graduate of Mary Washington College and held a master's degree in English from the University of Virginia. She was an internationally known antiques appraiser, prolific writer and author, and engaging speaker. She was involved with many arts and cultural activities, including the Library of Virginia, Virginia Governor's Mansion Citizen Advisory Committee, Garden Club of Virginia, James River Writers, Virginia Press Women, North Carolina Ballet, and the Arts Council of North Carolina State University. A lady of superior accomplishments, Emyl brought happiness to the many people she encountered throughout her distinguished career. Emyl requested that her friends "think happy thoughts." A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, April 30, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at their home, 302 Greenway Lane, Richmond, Virginia, on Saturday, May 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. A service will be held at Saint Alban's Anglican Catholic Church, 4006 Hermitage Road, Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday, May 2, at 3 p.m., with the family receiving guests afterward in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emyl Jenkins Sexton Fiction Award Fund, The Library of Virginia Foundation, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.