Beatrice "Bea" Lee Sexton

Beatrice "Bea" Lee Sexton, 74, of Candor, passed away on August 1, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Bea was born on February 25, 1949, in Richmond County to Henry and Ada Britt Lee.

Bea was a loving, devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all that knew her. She had a true servant’s heart, and it was obvious in all that she did for others. After retirement of 30 years in education, if she was at home, she spent much of her time sewing colored bean bags and grocery bag holders to give to the special people in her life. Many kids have learned their colors from playing with the bean bags she made.

While not at home, she and Eugene could be found at one of several places fishing: Topsail Island, Florida, Canada or Jordan Lake. If you were ever invited to join them, it only meant that you were very special to them. Bea would always be up before daylight ready to bait her hook and almost always caught the most and the largest fish. She also loved walking the beach with her grandkids, arms held behind her back, looking down for shark’s teeth. What a collection she has!

Softball and tennis were other activities that Bea really enjoyed with her sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. She played softball years ago and then slowly switched over to tennis. She was very competitive and enjoyed playing in tennis tournaments at the parks in Biscoe and Troy.

Nana Bea, as her grandkids lovingly called her, was always such an important part of their lives. She attended every ballgame, dance recital, graduation and every other function that they asked her to attend. There was nothing she would not do for them.

Before her role as Nana, Bea was the best possible mother Donna and Rodney could have ever asked for. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress. She truly made our house a home!

Even before her role as mother, she was a loving, devoted wife of fifty-five years to her high school sweetheart, Eugene. They were almost always together and especially serving the Lord together. This was Bea’s most important role. She taught Sunday School and led the singing for over thirty years. She was a dedicated Christian and never wavered in her faith. What a good Godly role model she was to our family and to everyone that knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Roberta Moore, Lucille Lewis, Jeanette Bowman; brothers Albert Lee, Richard Lee, Ervin Lee, Travis Lee and Brantley Lee.

She is survived by her husband Bradley Eugene Sexton of the home; daughter Donna Joyce (Wayne) of Star; son Rodney Sexton; sisters Margie Blake of Troy; Barbara Hudson of Mt. Gilead; Irene Treece (Larry) of Norman; Darlene Haene (Tom) of Biscoe; Joyce Cole (Ralph) of Eagle Springs and Mattie Dennis of Mt. Gilead. Grandchildren Gavin Joyce, Leah Joyce, Jenna Joyce & Ada Joyce.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at Main Street Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Mabe officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 am at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Bea's honor to Main Street Baptist Church, PO Box 69, Biscoe, NC 27209.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfh.com.

The Sexton family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.