Wandaline Sexton Jones, beloved wife of Aaron M. Jones, Sr and mother of Deborah Lynn Jones Musolino and Aaron Maurice Jones, Jr. passed away peacefully at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington, NC. She was born on October 31, 1924, in Oneida, TN and passed on August 10, 2021. She was 96 and 9 months old. She was already planning her 100th birthday party since her husband just celebrated his 100th birthday! This unfortunately wasn’t meant to be. In addition to her husband, daughter, and son she is survived by her very special son-in-law Tony.
Wanda was the second oldest of 13 children born to Manford Etchel Sexton and Wilda Baker Sexton in Oneida, TN. She is survived by sisters Fayrene Sexton Terry of Oneida, TN; Annette Sexton Mouat (Tom) of Beaver Creek, OH; Judy Sexton Hutchings (Ron); brothers, Dr. Donald Sexton of Oneida, TN and Landon Sexton (Faye) of Pine Knot, KY; Sister-in-Law Naomi Keith Sexton of Scottsburg, IN; brother-in-law Glen Greenwood of Coffeen, IL; and brother-in-law Gordon Jones (Pat) of Tullahoma, TN; sisters-in-law, Bobbie Jones (Alvin) of Winchester, TN, and Martha Ann Jones (Lawrence) of Estill Springs, TN. In addition, she thought the world of her step grandsons Ronald Musolino (Pam) of Nokesville, VA and Peter Musolino of Alexandria, VA.
Wanda was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Roy Sexton (Dorothy); Theora Sexton York (William); Louise Sexton Reed (Bud); Tommy Sexton; Manford Jr.; brother-in-law Claude Terry; sister-in-law June Litton Sexton; Charles Bruce Sexton (Patricia); and Edwina Sexton Greenwood and brother-in-law Alvin Stone and daughter-in law, Patricia King Jones whom she dearly loved.
In addition to being from a family of 13 her husband, Aaron, was from a family of 10 children. As a result, she was so blessed to have many wonderful brother and sisters-in-law, dozens of nieces and nephews. Over the years we had joyous family reunions.
Wanda graduated in 1949 from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TPI), Cookeville, TN majoring in Business Administration and Education. Being from such a large family she had to work very hard to support herself, saving money to put herself through school. She graduated in 3 ½ years going summer and winter.
After graduation she applied to work as a teacher in Oak Ridge, TN where she met her future husband, Aaron. Dad said when they met, he instantly fell in love and never wanted her out of his sight. They were married 70 years on July 14, 2021.
The family later moved from Oak Ridge, TN to Alexandria, VA where Wanda worked as a teacher at various levels finally retiring from Hayfield High School. She taught business law, business management, accounting, typing and shorthand all in the same semester.
In addition to teaching, she worked on Capitol Hill for two Congressmen from Tennessee. She also served as church secretary at Groveton Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. She was always involved in activities with her children such as scouting, choir, ball teams and many more.
She taught us so many valuable life lessons. God and family were the center pieces of her life. She encouraged (insisted) on us getting a good education, stay grounded, appreciate others, save money and be fragile. Those who knew her knew she loved to talk, laugh, and impart her wisdom and philosophy of life.
She especially loved her current church family Hampstead United Methodist Church who welcomed them with loving open arms. Mom and Dad were active members of Groveton Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA for over fifty years. They also were very active in the Mount Vernon Chapter of AARP and enjoyed the many travels with them after their retirement.
In lieu of flowers if you wish send a remembrance may we suggest Hampstead United Methodist Church, 15395 US Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443.
Our sincerest thanks to the wonderful care she received at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Lower Cape Fear Life Care.
Celebration of Life Memorial service is planned for 11 am Monday, August 16, 2021 at Hampstead United Methodist Church in Hampstead, NC.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Hampstead Chapel.
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