Rena Sexton Obituary
Rena Mae Phelps Sexton, 91, of Creswell, NC passed away peacefully at the residence of her son Bart and caregiver Don Smith in Goldsboro, NC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 .
A native of Creswell, NC, Rena was the wife of 62 years to the late Preston Woodley Sexton and the daughter of Milton Phelps and Alethia Allen Phelps, both deceased. Rena began her career in teaching as a Librarian Aid at Creswell High School. Later, she attended Elizabeth City State University where she received a Bachelors Degree in Education. Rena then continued her own education journey at Beaufort College and continued on to East Carolina University where she received her Masters Degree. During her lengthy teaching career at Creswell Elementary and Creswell High Schools she twice received the honor of “Teacher of the Year” in Washington County, NC.
Survivors include her two sons, Ricky Sexton of Creswell, NC and Bart Sexton of Goldsboro, NC; five grandchildren, Stetson Sexton and wife, Alexis, Justin Sexton and wife, Traci, Jordan Sexton and wife, Gabby, Jared Sexton, and Presley Sexton; four great grandchildren; sister, Mary Coburn; brothers, John Phelps and wife, Peggy, and Larry Wayne Phelps and wife, Cindy; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Phelps and Ruth Phelps.
In addition to her husband and parents, Rena was preceded in death by her son, Tony Sexton; sisters, Ethel Overton and Mildred Nadeau; and brothers, Milton Harold Phelps, Sid Phelps, Harry Thomas Phelps, and Jerry Lee Phelps.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Philippi Church of Christ, Creswell, NC with Pastor Ben Nichols and Pastor Jimmy Davenport officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday prior to the service in the church. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence of Janet and Ronald Ambrose, 1981 Weston Road, Creswell, NC 27928.
Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
735 Virginia Road PO Box 45, Edenton, NC 27932
People and places connected with Rena
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Rena Sexton
Tell your own story about Rena
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Rena Sexton's name
How to support Rena's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rena Sexton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
