JoAnn "Shirley" Sexton

1938 - 2023

JoAnn Sexton, "Shirley" (Parrott) of Jacksboro, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, at UT Medical Center in Knoxville at the age of 84.

She was born to the late George W. and Olivia (nee Pierce) Parrott on April 7, 1938, the fifth child of seven.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 61 years, Edgar; and by her daughter, Kimberly (her husband William); son, Darrell (his wife Sherri); grandchildren, Jessica, Curtis, Mitchell, Alex, Anthony, James, Billy Jr; great-grandchild, Jase; along with a host of family and friends to mourn her passing.

Shirley lived in Kettering, Ohio for more than 45 years raising her family and working as an Obstetrician Technician at the Kettering Medical Center.

She was baptized by The Rev. Floyd Hutson at the First Baptist Church of Kettering in Ohio.

She loved to help people and found many ways to do so by freely giving of whatever she had, if it helped another.

Shirley loved spending time with her family whether it was cookouts or enjoying the outdoors at the "old house" on the family farm.

She enjoyed fishing in Tennessee and Michigan with family and friends.

Shirley loved to play cards, especially Rook, and you always wanted her to be your partner.

She was extremely curious, with a high intellect, to solve any problem she encountered.

Shirley was quick-witted and possessed a "can do" attitude, never letting an obstacle get in the way.

She was gifted at easily finding things to make everyone laugh out loud.

For those who knew her, they understood when she put her mind to something, she would have a successful outcome.

Shirley is preceded in death by her sister, Jewell Hensley; brothers, Norris and Roy Gene Parrott.

She is survived by sisters, Mary Sue (husband Floyd) Hutson of Kettering, Ohio, Marcy P. Lay (John) of Jacksboro; brother, John Parrott of Rocky Top; sister-in-law, Mildred Parrott of Rocky Top.

Shirley is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

"May the winds of heaven blow softly, and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you, and wish that you were here." ~ Unknown

Shirley will forever be in our hearts.

Family and friends were invited to the Hatmaker Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 17, to celebrate Shirley's life.

The funeral service and interment immediately followed at Norris Memorial Gardens.

Hatmaker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.