Mary Lou (Atkins) Sexton-lovingly known as “Granny” – 91 of Luttrell, went to sleep peacefully and woke up in Glory on May 18, 2026. Born on October 24, 1934, in Lima Ohio, Mary Lou lived a life rooted in family and faith. With a humble and gentle spirit, she spent her life putting others before herself and serving her family with love. She was a faithful member of Warwick’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she actively served as the church pianist. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived each day. Mary Lou was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and Granny. From a young age, she stepped into the role of caretaker for her father and brothers, always making sure those she loved were cared for and well fed. She enjoyed playing the piano and had a deep love for music, especially listening to her grandsons play the mandolin and guitar. Some of her happiest moments were spent attending concerts, baseball games, camping, and just making memories with family and dear friends. You could always find her with a baby on her lap. Mary Lou also enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking, canning and gardening, always using her talents to care for those she loved. Banking Christmas cookies was a tradition she cherished with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her secret ingredient was always love. Many of her fall birthdays were joyfully spent in her favorite place – “back on the farm,” surrounded by family and friends. Mary Lou also held a special connection to Lima, Ohio, where her mother was from, and she treasured the visits she made there throughout her life. She felt blessed to be married into the Sexton family, who treated her like their own. Her legacy of faith, love and selfless devotion will continue to live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend Joe Sexton; her parents, LaFayette and Martha Taylor Atkins; brothers, Larry and Bob Atkins; sister-in-law, Gwen Atkins; and her father and mother-in- law, John Elvin and Ama Chesney Sexton. Mary Lou leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, children, Reverend Stewart and Marty Skeen, Reverend Kevin and Angela Sexton; and Chris and Mary Alison Harb; grandchildren, Kari Reynolds, Amanda Skeen, Ashley (Johnny) Lay, Amy Beth (Brian) Harrell, Ben (Linsey) Sexton, Clayton (Lexie) Sexton, Jordan (Sarah) Harb, Seth Harb and Mary Kayla Harb; and great grandchildren, Tallen Reynolds, Hunter and Parker Holloway, Aiden, Allie and Andrew Lay, Amelia, Olivia and Elijah Harrell, Owen Taylor and Sophie Sexton and Kinsley Sexton; several special nieces and nephews, too many to name, all of whom she loved dearly and was like a second mother to them.

The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The service to follow with Reverend Kevin Sexton, Reverend Stewart Skeen and Reverend Ray Headrick officiating with music provided by her grandchildren. Family and friends will meet at 11:45 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Trinity to proceed to Sharp Cemetery for a 1:00 p.m. graveside service. Serving as pallbearers, Ben and Clayton Sexton Jordan and Seth Harb, Johnny Lay and Brian Harrell; honorary pallbearers, Tallen Reynolds, Hunter and Parker Holloway, Aiden and Andrew Lay, Elijah Harrell, Owen Taylor Sexton, Mike Atkins, Tim Campbell, Jack, Freddie and Gerald Simmons and Ike Phillips. The family requests memorial donations be made to Sharp Cemetery, c/o Jim DeVault, Jr., 114 Stowers Rd., Corryton, Tennessee 37721. Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, has the honor of serving the family of Mary Lou Sexton. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net