Muzette Thaxton Sexton

muzette sexton

March 18, 1947 ~ April 28, 2018


Resided in: Leicester, North Carolina

Surrounded by her family, Muzette Thaxton Sexton, 71, of Leicester, was called home to heaven on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals. A native of Sumter, SC, Muzette was a daughter of Mrs. Muzette Thaxton Byars, and the late Dr. Dillard Winston Thaxton, II. She was preceded in death by her father, beloved parents-in-law, Dr. Ralph Sexton, Sr., and Jacqueline Buckner Sexton, and infant grandson, Jackson Ralph Sexton Parrish. In addition to her mother, Mrs. Sexton is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Ralph Hanes Sexton, Jr.; daughter, Beverly Muzette Sexton Parrish and husband Rev. Dwight Parrish; sons, Mark Hanes Sexton and wife Sheri Hollifield Sexton, and Rev. Kent Hanes Sexton and wife Leigh Parsons Sexton. Her nine grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she shared unique, special relationships with each of them: Winston Blake Parrish and wife Miranda Lynn Parrish, Savannah Muzette Thaxton Parrish and fiancé Mike McClanahan, Scarlett Ashton Grace Parrish, Sophia Isabelle Parrish, Alexis Lilianna Sexton, Lola Grace Sexton, Kent "Preston" Hanes Sexton II, Ian Squire Hanes Sexton, and Jacqueline "Juliet" Sexton. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Dr. Winston Thaxton, III, and wife Joy Thaxton; sisters, Nancy Galloway and husband Rev. Jack Galloway, Wanda Davis and husband Mike Davis; and sister, Kathy Tyrrell, as well as many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. If you knew Muzette you knew that second only to her love of the Lord, was her love of her devoted husband, Ralph. The couple, both reared in the homes of pastors, met while students at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. After marrying on July 1, 1966, they settled in Ralph’s hometown of Asheville, NC, where they began to build a life together. The couple built their family on a strong foundation of faith in the Lord, held together by the special, unwavering love they had for each other. They loved spending time with each other, and laughed together every day. Muzette loved well. She was an exceptional mother and doting grandmother who poured love and wise counsel into her family and into others. In the early years of her marriage, she stepped into her role as youth pastor’s wife, dispensing love, laughter, and Jesus into the teens in her care. She was their beloved “Aunt Muzette” and her impact on their lives can be seen in the men and women they’ve become today. And then came a bigger role as pastor’s wife. She touched the lives of countless people, quietly caring for them during difficult days, celebrating with them during good times, and faithfully praying for all of them. The outpouring of love she and her family received the last days of her life are a testament to a life well-lived. The family wishes to thank all of the talented, gifted physicians that participated in the care of Mrs. Sexton, including: Dr. Andrew Beeghly, Dr. Will Durham, Dr. Adam Graham, Dr. Todd Hansen, Dr. Melissa “Red” Hoffman, Dr. Bruce Israel, Dr. John Manley, Dr. Benjamin Mayer, Dr. Richard Masson, Dr. Jenny Osbourne, Dr. Martin Palmeri, Dr. Kolandaivelu Ramasuamy, Dr. Hiromi Terawaki, Dr. Mohan Thakiri, Dr. Nam Vo, and very special thanks to her physician and friend, Dr. Oscar Jenkins, who made himself available to her and the family at any time. In addition, they wish to thank the incredible nurses, practitioners, and care-givers in the Emergency Department and Med-Surg ICU at Mission Health, Memorial Campus for their professionalism and compassion. The Sexton family is eternally grateful to their friend of many years, Gina Banks, BSN, for the constant one-on-one care she provided during their precious wife, mother, and grandmother’s final days. Gina was with her around the clock, and provided the most personal attention and care to the precious lady that she loved so very much. The family would also like to express their appreciation for the outpouring of love. The calls, visits, texts, emails, flowers, meals, and prayers have been a comfort. Mrs. Sexton will lie in repose on Wednesday, May 2nd from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Trinity Baptist Church in West Asheville. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and at 3:00 p.m. will be a service to celebrate her life. A graveside service for the family and church friends will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Rev. Allen Rash, Rev. Kent Sexton, Rev. Dwight Parrish, Dr. Ralph Sexton, and Dr. David Gibbs will serve as officiants for Mrs. Sexton’s home-going service. Ian Sexton, Preston Sexton, Winston Parrish, Mike McClanahan, Terry McCoy, Aaron Sumner, Jeff Whitley, and Mike McKinney, will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Rev. Dwight Parrish, Rev. Allen Rash, Rev. Donnie Walker, Rev. Doug Guy, Rev. Nathan Hawkins, Rev. Jason Littrell, Rev. Davis Plemmons, Rev. Jerry Payne, Rev. Rory Rigdon, and Rev. Zach Cicillian. The family is being assisted by Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Flowers are welcome, as well as donations to the Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund, in memory of Mrs. Sexton, 216 Shelburne Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, or online below listed under "Charities."

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  1. Praying for you in East Tennessee! It won’t be long until we are all together one sweet day! Not long!

  2. Ralph, we met Muzette on a trip to Israel and she was a winderfulperson. So glad we got to meet her. We are praying for you and your family. Love and prayers to you all.

  3. My deepest sympathies and prayers for the family and all who were blessed by her life. Lost my own father so I can understand the heartache left by absence of presence on this mortal side. We do not mourn as those who have no hope. We shall meet again on the other side.

  4. Loved you so much Sis Muzzette ! I am so happy that you are at rest. No more hurting. My love , thoughts and prayers are with Bro Ralph and the entire family at this time and time to come ! Always, Sis Linda

  5. Praying for comfort to you and your family bro Ralph sexton. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Have been following you through this for 3yrs. You both have been a inspiration in my life.

  6. I did not have the joy of knowing this precious lady but I always loved hearing Dr Ralph Sexton preach. May God bring the comfort of the Holy Spirit to the family and the church family in her passing.

  7. So sorry brother Ralph for your temporary loss of your beloved wife and partner..
    May God put his arms of comfort around you in the coming days

  8. I never had the joy of getting to know Ms. Muzette, I spent a few years in the church and loved the services I attended. My prayers go out to the loving family and all the extended people that are family also. My prayers are for comfort for Bro. Ralph.

  9. May God grant your family comfort and peace during this terrible loss. God has gained another beautiful angel. Loved hearing Brother Ralph Sexton preach in Elizabethton TN.

  10. Muzette loved well.’ She loved her Jesus, she loved her soulmate, she loved her family, and she loved us. ‘Her children arise up and call her blessed,’ and so do we. Praying for you, family. Heaven gets sweeter every day.

  11. God Bless You All! I know He will comfort you in the days to come. Until you are all together again, may we all walk with Christ. Much love, thoughts and prayers.

  12. I’m so sorry for your lost. Even though many years have passed since I last saw you all, I remember the wonderful times we had together and the words of encouragement you gave us. Will be praying for you all. Can’t wait to meet again one day in Heaven.

  13. My heart breaks but I know a day will come when we can all be together again. I pray God will wrap you in His wonderful, loving arms and carry you through the days ahead.

  14. Love you, Bro Ralph! Praying for you and your dear family. Thankful for The Comforter!!!

  15. May the God of all grace comfort your hearts. Our prayers are with you all.
    Randy and Sandra Kendrick (Greensboro, NC)

  16. To know Muzette was to love her..Love and prayers for all of the family..She will sorely be missed.. What a blessing she was to anyone that knew her!! I thank God that I knew her for 25 years!! In Christ, Pat Slingerland Psalm 46:10

  17. She was a remarkable woman, with a smile that was contagious. Her love for the Lord was evident in the life she lived. I will always treasure her teachings from Proverbs 31. I will always carry with me the last words she spoke to me at church. Her remarkable insight, compassion and Godly example left a mark on my life that I will never forget. She will be greatly missed, but I celebrate her home going, for I know she is finally home at last! Prayers for Brother Ralph and the family. You are loved!

  18. Praying for the family for strength and comfort at this time . May the grace of God be your strength and keep you in his loving arms .

  19. Heaven just got Sweeter! Our thoughts & Prayers are with you Bro. Ralph & all of the family! Truly your family will be missing a true treasure. Love to you all!

  20. I know Gods new Grace will be bountiful during this time my family’s prayers will and does go into The Throne Room for God’s comfort and peace love you all

  21. Prayers for the family during this time. May God give you peace knowing she is with the Lord and you WILL see her again.

  22. So very sorry for your loss. Muzette was a precious soul . My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Ralph and family during this difficult time.

  23. So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you Brother Sexton and your family may God give you and your family the grace and mercy you need in this home going of your wife

  24. Dear Sexton Family I was saddened by the news of the passing your Wife, Mother, and, Grandmother. I loved her so much. She was always there for me when I needed to talk. She understood me so well. She was always easy to talk to, willing to listen and tried to help me whenever I needed her She will be greatly missed. You are already and will continually be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all and I hurt with you. Keep looking unto the hills from where your help comes from. God Bless you and comfort you all.

  25. Bro. Ralph, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. We pray for God’s comfort and peace to be wrapped around you during this time!

  26. Dr.Sexton Immediate Family Members, you have our prayers and condolences at your time of loss ,we are so sorry ,but she is with the angels now at her resting place . We will all miss her, but will see her in a new body in heaven.

  27. Our family will be praying for you Rev. Sexton on the loss of your precious wife. I never got to meet her but I am so glad my husband and I got to meet you at the tent revival at Bethel Baptist Church in Haywood County. Our hearts go out to you and your precious family on your loss.

  28. It is often hard to understand the will of our Father. Yet, as our loved ones rest by His side, we cannot help but feel the greatness of His love, the depth of His comfort, the endless joy in knowing they are with Him waiting eagerly for each of us. God bless this family and may He spread His wings of comfort over them. Ms. Muzzette was an instrument of love and caring, a portrait of how we all should be.

  29. Brother Ralph: We are praying for you and your extended family during this difficult time. We are also praying that God will bless the memorial service tomorrow for His glory and honor. May you all sense His presence in the coming days. Pastor Herb Putnam and Sarah

  30. Our prayers are with you Bro Sexton as well as for your family. God’s Blessings and comforting spirit be upon all and your beloved church family! From all The Singing Echoes.

    In His Service

    Gary Epperson
    Singing Echoes

  31. Prayers for The Sexton Family & Friends for Comfort,Strength and Peace that passeth all understanding that only God can give you during this time. The days an weeks ahead will be hard but You all are covered by The Blood of Jesus. We love your family !

  32. Dear Pastor Ralph. Please accept our families deepest and profound regret but joy at the going home of your beloved Muzette. She is in the presence of Messiah. Our prayers are with you all.

  33. Praying for you all as you journey thru this part of your life. May God bless you all with strength for the journey and an ever lasting peace to calm your broken hearts. With much love in Christ. Keeping you in our prayers. Karl and Beatrice Zielke

  34. My thoughts and prayers are with u all Wonderful sweet memories of great times with this amazing beautiful lady and her beautiful family .. I love you you all
    Gail.
    Victory Voices

  35. Preacher Ralph & Family
    Please know that you and your family are being lifted up in prayer to the only one that can give you the peace that surpasses all understanding,our hearts grieve along with all of you, but we know that we can only imagine what our eyes will behold and Muzette already knows , she is well and happy to be home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Love & prayers to all of you.

  36. Our church sends love and prayers for the Sexton family…Mt. Zion Baptist Church Dillsboro, NC

  37. I’m very sorry for your loss pastor Ralph , my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family my god comfort you Tonya Maxwell

  38. Dear Ralph and family, May God gently and tenderly heal your heart from your great loss! In His Love, H. M. ‘Sonny’ Dycus, Jr.

  39. Prayers are with you and your family. She is no longer in pain and living better than ever before. May God bless all of you and give you comfort and peace knowing she is home with Jesus.

  40. Dear Bro. Ralph, and Family,
    My heart is broken for you. I never had the chance to meet Ms. Muzette, but I don’t have any doubt she was an amazing woman of our Lord Jesus Christ! I want to thank you for your ministry and say these few words…. if I can only follow her example as she followed Jesus Christ example maybe one day I can hear the words ‘Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant’. Please know I have and will continue to pray for you and your family. Ms. Muzette is not done serving….because she still serves within the heart of her husband! We Love You!

  41. I am so sorry for you loss Bro. Ralph. I am praying for you and your family at this sorrowful time. Muzette was a sweet precious lady that everyone loved. She will be greatly missed but we all can rejoice that she is with Jesus now. We all can only imagine when she ran into his arms! Bless you all and may God give you comfort and peace for the days ahead to come.

  42. Brother Ralph you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    May the Holy Spirit wrap you in grace and peace.
    Love
    Pastor Davy, Renee, Elijah(Bubba), and Chloe Shelton

  43. So thankful I was able to meet Muzette on one of the trips to Israel. Very grateful that our path crossed here on Earth. Praying for all of you.

  44. We are praying for you during this time of grief. May God ever bless with His grace and love.

  45. We hope that God will pour his grace out upon you and your family during this time of sorrow. She is home with the Savior.

  46. Dear Ralph, Please know that we are in prayer for you and all your family. It is so hard to give up our loved ones, even though we know they are in glorious, face-to-face fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the peace of God be with you in the difficult days ahead, and may He give you strength to walk through this journey in grace.

  47. Prayers for this family as they go through this time of grief. It is hard to lose a loved one . She is in the presence of her Lord and Savior Where she has a new body. My Mom and her family were friends of the Sextons for a long time . They have all passed but one. We can praise the Lord for a life lived for Him.

  48. Bro. Ralph and Family; Words fail me at this time but please know your family has always been in my prayers. May the Lord keep you in the palm of His hand and close to his heart at this most difficult time. I wish I could be with you but it is difficult for me to walk at this point but please know you will be in my thoughts. Love Vickie Austin Jennings

  49. Praying for you Bro. Ralph and your family. May the Lord give you rest and strength in the days ahead of you.

  50. Wish we had had the.pleasure of meeting this beautiful sweet Christian lady. We are praying for all of you! Bro Ralph you are a true example of how God helps His children when we are heartbroken and our world crashes. May you all feel each prayer for strength and all you need at this very sad time. But as you know you haven’t lost your sweet Muzette , you know exactly where she is and someday we will all spend eternity together!!! We love you. Proverbs 3: 5-6

  51. Pray that God will give you that which is needed to carry on in the days ahead. Love you Preacher Ralph.

  52. Rev. Ralph… I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will never forget your kindness, love and support during my Dad’s passing. I know that God will wrap His arms around you and give you and your family the peace, comfort and love that you need during this difficult time and the days ahead. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  53. Pastor Sexton’? our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your wife. You’re in our prayers for God’?s peace to come upon you, his grace to overshadow you, and his love to encompass you and envelop you. We knew your dad and loved him and his ministry. We likewise love and appreciate all God has done through you his son.
    Psalms 116:15

  54. Dear Pastor & Family, There are no words to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. We love you and are praying for all of you.

  55. To all of the Sexton family, we are praying for you all from Gaffney SC ! We love you all! Bro Ralph your faith is amazing through all this! Please keep on keeping on! Love you in the LORD

  56. To my Pastor and his family. You are wonderful blessed people and I have been praying for you all and I will continue to pray for peace and comfort during this time.

  57. Pastor I am praying for you and the family. Heaven’s promises are real. No more pain, No more cancer. I can just see Mrs. Muzette in heaven. Can you just imagine? I have seen grace and mercy no only in her but in the way the family is living right now. May the Lord pour out more grace and mercy every minute of the days and weeks to come. Love to you all.

  58. Words cannot express our sincere thoughts and prayers during this time. We know she will be missed greatly. It is with assurity and comfort that you will see her again. Our prayers are with your family.

  59. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. From us in robbinsville nc. Praise God Muzette is home and vary much alive! God bless all of you. Lord hold them close

  60. Brother Ralph, So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family! Love you bunches!

  61. Dear dr. Sexton and family this is James Grant we the Grant Family do send our condolences to you and your family church family and loved ones during this time of bereavement we pause it this time with prayer and thank God for the life of sister Sexton sanctification Mercy Grace and peace that was shown her doing her time that God did have some miracles we pray continued blessings upon your family as you continue to be strengthened through the days and times ahead blessings upon you Rev. Dr. Lewis Grant, & Rev dr. James Grant andWorld Wide Missionary Baptist Tabernacle Asheville North Carolin

  62. Dear Pastor and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, but truly this is the world loss andHeavens GAIN!

  63. Extending our heartfelt sympathy to The Sexton, Parrish, and Thaxton Families, and to Family and Friends at Trinity Baptist Church. Mrs.Muzette was such a Special Lady, and a wonderful Sunday School Teacher. It was a honor and privilege to be in her class many years ago. I ( Rhonda) remember her love for collecting Angels… and couldn’t help but think about Kirk Talkey’s Song Serenated By Angels… how fitting for Sis. Muzette. Bro. Ralph we are praying for you and your family… Thank you for being the Pastor you are.

  64. Pastor, In all the years we were members of Trinity, I never had the pleasure of meeting Muzette. It was, and is, my loss. Many times, I remember hearing you saying ‘my beautiful wife’ or ‘the love of my life’ etc. in your sermons. Your love and devotion to Muzette was obvious. Only a special lady could/would have earned that type of devotion. I wish I could tell you why, but the Lord has not seen fit for us to know how to answer that question. However, He has given us the knowledge of where. And you, of all people, know we don’t have long to wait on this sinful earth. I will expect you to introduce us on the other side of Jordon. So, until then, I will keep you, your family, and your church in my prayers,

  65. Prayers for Ralph and all the family and friends who loved her, she will be dearly missed here but is now rejoicing and worshipping Jesus, may all be blessed and comforted with the Peace of God with the knowledge they will see her again, you are all in our Prayers and we send love to all.

  66. Our Prayers, Sympathy and Love in your loss Bro Ralph, Family and Trinity Baptist Church Family.

  67. Pastor Ralph and Sweet Family, Our family is praying for each of you today, and in the days and weeks ahead. With heartfelt love and appreciation.

  68. I’m so sorry for your loss pastor Ralph my thoughts and prayers are with you my God comfort you love sympathy she will be miss love sympathy Tonya Maxwell of Hendersonville NC,

  69. Dear Ralph,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs, thoughts and prayers.
    Your cousin,
    Deb

  70. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sexton Family as they say their goodbyes to Muzette. It was our priviledge to have known her over distance and time.

  71. So Sorry for you Loss. May God bless you and give you the strength to go thru this difficult time.. Praying for your whole family.

  72. Pastor Ralph,
    We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. It’s hard to let go because we love them so much.she is in Heaven and no more pain. We Love You Pastor Ralph

  73. Our prayers and condolences at this time of great loss, may God comfort you all. May God’s grace be with you

  74. Uncle Ralph and family, You and Muzette wanted the Trinity teens to call you Uncle Ralph and Aunt Muzette. I was glad to be part of the teens. She treated me just like she was my aunt and help me and was always there if I needed someone to talk to. She help me to become the person that I am and I’ll always be grateful for that. Every time I would see her I would say hey Aunt Muzette and would always get a hug from her. I’m so sorry for your loss but we know where she is and she’s waiting for us to join her. So we celebrate her home!! I love you Uncle Ralph and you and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there today but I’ll be praying.

  75. To Mark and his family we are so sorry for ur loss at this time .Our prayer is that God wrap his loving healing arms around you and that u can feel his presence and love.Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of u and hope that God will comfort u all through the days ahead .We love u all

  76. Sending prayers out to a wonderful loving family for their great loss!!! No more suffering, rejoice in knowing one day soon you will meet again!!!

  77. Preacher Ralph and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ms. Muzette’s passing. I always thought very highly of her although I didn’t know her very well. I know that she will be sorely missed in your home, but we can always rest in the thought of knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our heavenly Father. I will be praying for your peace and comfort.

  78. My sincere condolences to Dr. Sexton and family!
    Annette Coleman, Retired Bank of America

  79. Preacher Ralph and family, I am just learning about and so sorry to hear about Mrs. Muzette’s passing. I cannot fathom the passing of a spouse, but I am and will continue to be be praying for your family.

  80. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this hard time! I wish I knew what to say or do to help! Knowing your mom’s with the Lord, what could be any better!

  81. Our deepest sympathies are with Rev. Ralph Sexton and all the family and friends of this dear lady. She is not gone she just changed addresses.

  82. Pastor and family, words cannot describe the loss of Ms. Muzette to you and our church family. She was such a vital part of the life of our church and although we knew she couldn’t be with us physically, we’ve always known her love for us and felt her prayers personally. Talking with her always made you feel like you were special and important to her. Our lives have been blessed to have known her. Love and prayers to you all!

  83. Pastor Sexton…
    I pray you have peace and strength through this. I have seen your diligence and care for others, and know he will help you too. I think about your church often and hope it is doing well. The Lord gave me Psalm 28:7-8 concerning this. I wish I could have gone to the funeral. Prayers, Cathy Curtis…I no longer use that e-mail but maybe this will post anyhow.

  84. i just seen where mrs. sexton passed i pray for you and your wife and will now pray for God to help you to go on til you meet her again! Looking forward to a tent meeting and what God will do. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help me.


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