Elsie Marlene Craven Sexton

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Elise Marlene Craven Sexton, known to many as Marlene. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, she passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 88. She leaves behind a beloved family and dear friends who mourn her loss while celebrating a life well-lived.

Elsie was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, and graduated from Landon High School in 1952. While working for the State of Florida in Tampa Bay, she met the love of her life, John Sexton. They were married on August 8, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, while John was serving in Vietnam.

Together, Elsie and John traveled the world — from Haiti to Europe — and spent several years living in Zaire, Africa. She often said John opened the world to her, and their adventures together were among her most treasured experiences. Eventually, they settled in Lawrenceville, GA, in 1974, where they built a home filled with love and cherished memories.

Elsie worked for the Gwinnett County School System and later at TASOK School in Zaire before retiring from the State of Georgia in 1996.

Above all, Elsie loved her family and found immense joy in being a mother to Jimmy, Tony, and Chris. She especially cherished the time she spent with her grandsons, Connor and Carter, showering them with love and proudly watching them grow into fine young men.

A talented cook, Elsie delighted in preparing meals for her family, especially during the holidays. She loved gathering everyone around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and the warmth that only family can bring. Those moments brought her the greatest joy.

Her faith was also a cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Lawrenceville First Baptist Church since the 1970s, Elsie found strength and companionship in her PHOEBE class. After John’s passing, the friendships she built there became her foundation, and she always looked forward to Sunday gatherings.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Kirby T. Craven and Elsie Rae Hammond Craven; her beloved husband, John D. Sexton (Jack); her son, James Frank “Jimmy” Sexton; her sister, Betty Trapnell; and her brother, Jerry Allen Craven.

She is survived by her sons, Anthony Craig Sexton of Buford and John Christopher Sexton & Daughter-in-Law Ashleighe Morgan-Sexton of Lawrenceville; her grandsons, Connor Jack Sexton and Carter John Sexton of Buford; her nieces, Wendy Owen, Diane Green; her nephews, Michael Craven, William Trapnell; and many loving cousins.

Elsie will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in those who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 3PM on March 18th at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1PM to 3PM at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the funeral home and will be forwarded to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lawrenceville First Baptist Church.