Shirley A. Sexton passed away on November 1, 2025. She was born on October 1, 1944 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of David and Betty Burgess. Shirley was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1962. Shirley worked as the vault manager at Michigan National Bank for twelve years. After retiring, she opened a family daycare. Shirley found caring and teaching her young ones so rewarding. She married the love of her life in a whirl wind romance, Don Sexton in 1963. Together they bought their dream home, “The little yellow castle.” The perfect home to raise their children Nikki and Tony. She enjoyed camping at Covert Park Lake at Lake Michigan with her family, trips to Mackinaw and the South. Her joy was always found working outside in her flower gardens. She loved the outdoors; it was her happy place. Shirley had a gift for making her home and yard beautiful, so much that she was awarded “The most beautiful yard” by the city of Battle Creek. Shirley led a humble life; she loved fierce and laughed loud. She will be forever missed. She is survived by her daughter, Nikki Sexton, son, Tony Sexton, grandson, Nickolas (Harlee) Sexton, great grandchildren, Nickolas Jr. and Payton Sexton, sisters, Darlene Williams, Bonnie (Phil) Myers, Sherry (Rick) Raymond, nieces, Pam (Dale) Hursley, Vicky (Shelly) Williams, Cris Sexton, Stephanie (William) Willavize, nephews, Scott (Jasamine) Williams, Mike (Chris) Williams, Chris (Ginger) Loman, Josh Loman, Ryan (Audrey) Swank, David Burgess and Rex (Nancy) Burgess. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Don Sexton, grandson, Anthony Sexton II, parents, David and Betty Burgess, and a brother Ronald Burgess. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Gideons International, envelopes available at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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