Marjorie Ann Sexton

Marjorie Ann (Doxtader) Sexton, 85, passed away peacefully with family present on Sunday February 19, 2017 at Horizon Senior Living in Clare. She was the fourth of six children born to the late Leeland and Marie (VanAken) Doxtader on Sept 22, 1931 at their home in Petrieville, MI. The family moved to a farm west of Farwell when she was in middle school. After graduating from Farwell High School, she moved to Clare where she met her husband, Frederick John “Jack” Sexton. The two were united in marriage on Sept 22, 1953 in Angola, IN. For the remainder of her life, Marge would proudly claim to have married “the handsomest man in Clare.” Together on their farm, Jack and Marge raised their six children: Ann, Victoria, Jeffrey, Teresa, Tamara, and Benjamin. Marge was, above all, devoted to her family. She loved to cook for anyone and everyone, and it was impossible to say no when she offered you a “little treat.” Marge was equally generous with her time. She regularly volunteered at the Clare United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and cooked for church dinners and the summer campers. One of her lifelong dreams was to own a restaurant, so when her children were grown, Marge opened The Bread Basket in Clare. She quickly became famous around town for her homemade soups, pies, and especially her delicious cinnamon rolls. After she retired, Marge’s talents in the kitchen were enjoyed by her 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, whom she always welcomed with a warm hug and homemade goodies. Friends will remember Marge’s bright smile and outgoing personality. She loved socializing, playing Cards and Bingo, laughing and telling stories. She always spoke with great pride about her grandchildren. Marge also loved to travel and explore new places. She once persuaded her newly-retired husband to take a month-long road trip through the Canadian Rockies and the American West. Later in life, Marge and Jack built a lake home in Weidman, where they enjoyed many happy summers spent fishing, boating, golfing, and watching their grandchildren swim. Marjorie is predeceased by her husband John, her son Jeffrey, and three brothers Richard, Charles, and Harold Doxtader. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 5 to 8 P.M. Services will take place on Friday at 12 noon at the Clare United Methodist Church with Pastor John Kasper officiating; burial to follow at 3 P.M. in the Fairview Cemetery in Weidman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MidMichigan Home Care and Hospice, the Horizons Senior Living Center Activities Fund, or to the Clare United Methodist Church Summer Camp Fund. Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line guestbook at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Marjorie Ann Sexton

September 22, 1931 - February 19, 2017