Rena Mae Phelps Sexton

Rena Mae Phelps Sexton, 91, of Creswell, NC passed away peacefully at the residence of her son Bart and caregiver Don Smith in Goldsboro, NC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 .

A native of Creswell, NC, Rena was the wife of 62 years to the late Preston Woodley Sexton and the daughter of Milton Phelps and Alethia Allen Phelps, both deceased. Rena began her career in teaching as a Librarian Aid at Creswell High School. Later, she attended Elizabeth City State University where she received a Bachelors Degree in Education. Rena then continued her own education journey at Beaufort College and continued on to East Carolina University where she received her Masters Degree. During her lengthy teaching career at Creswell Elementary and Creswell High Schools she twice received the honor of “Teacher of the Year” in Washington County, NC.

Survivors include her two sons, Ricky Sexton of Creswell, NC and Bart Sexton of Goldsboro, NC; five grandchildren, Stetson Sexton and wife, Alexis, Justin Sexton and wife, Traci, Jordan Sexton and wife, Gabby, Jared Sexton, and Presley Sexton; four great grandchildren; sister, Mary Coburn; brothers, John Phelps and wife, Peggy, and Larry Wayne Phelps and wife, Cindy; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Phelps and Ruth Phelps.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rena was preceded in death by her son, Tony Sexton; sisters, Ethel Overton and Mildred Nadeau; and brothers, Milton Harold Phelps, Sid Phelps, Harry Thomas Phelps, and Jerry Lee Phelps.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 atPhilippi Church of Christ, Creswell, NC with Pastor Ben Nichols and Pastor Jimmy Davenport officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday prior to the service in the church. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence of Janet and Ronald Ambrose, 1981 Weston Road, Creswell, NC 27928.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com