Carol Jean Sexton

1942 - 2025

Carol Jean Sexton

Carol Jean Sexton, 83, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025. She was born on May 25, 1942, in Bakersfield and grew up in Arvin, where she attended DiGiorgio Elementary and Arvin High School.

It was at the Bank of America in Arvin that she met the love of her life, Wayne Sexton. After marrying, they settled in Shafter to raise their two children before moving to Porterville in 1982. There, Carol wore many hats president of the Garden Club, volunteer Pink Lady at Porterville Hospital, and tireless supporter of local charities. She was always the first to show up with her time, talent, or (more importantly) her cooking.

Carol was famous for her dinner parties, known not just for their fabulous food but for the endless laughter and her trademark jokes some sweet, some sassy, and some we probably shouldn't put in print. Holidays at Carols house were legendary and a coveted invitation; everyone looked forward to her beautifully decorated tables, laughter echoing through the house, and the warmth that made her gatherings unforgettable.

A woman of many talents, Carol was an accomplished painter, porcelain doll maker, and the go-to candy maker for holidays, weddings, showers, or any life event that needed a little extra sweetness.

In their later years, Wayne and Carol became great adventurers, traveling the country in their RV and exploring the world from Australia and New Zealand to Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, and countless other places (too many to name). No matter where she went, she carried her love for Sees Candy, a Diet Coke in a bottle (never a can, don't even try), and her knack for making mischief.

Carol will be remembered for her puzzles, her pranks, her chicken soup, and especially her sheet cakes she somehow always had a freshly baked one ready whenever company showed up, even if it was unplanned. She had a gift for making people laugh, for making them feel welcome, and occasionally for making them blush with her jokes.

Most importantly, Carol cherished being a grandma and great-grandma. She was endlessly proud of her family and loved nothing more than sharing time, laughter, and stories with them.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Ollie Belle Salyards; her brother, Boyd Salyards; her sister, Bobbie Schultz; and her husband Wayne Sexton.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Fahsbender (Bryan), and son, Dennis Sexton (Shannon); her grandchildren Haley Capetillo (Marc), Eric Fahsbender (Jyzelle), Taylor Davis (Shawn), Zach Sexton, and Riley Sexton; her great-grandchildren Harper and Preston Capetillo, and Olivia and Robert Fahsbender; and her sister, Dorothy Handley.

Carols legacy is one of love, laughter, creativity, and a little mischief and if you listen closely, you can probably still hear her laughing at her own joke. She will be deeply missed, but we look forward to seeing her again.

Per Carols request, no services will be held.