Chong Hae Kyong Sexton

Chong Hae Kyong Sexton, a beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully in Atlanta, GA, on September 23, 2023. She was born on July 13, 1947, in South Korea, the third of seven children. Chong’s life was a testament to her resilience, strength, and unwavering faith.

In her early years, Chong displayed exceptional talent in mathematics and possessed a beauty that led her to participate in pageants. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with O’Neal Sexton, who was stationed with the U.S. Army in Seoul, Korea. They married and were so delighted at the birth of their only child, their daughter Sabrina.

The Sexton family embarked on a life filled with adventure as they navigated the challenges and joys of military service, relocating to different states and living in Germany for several years. Chong’s primary role was that of a loving mother and devoted wife, tending to her family and creating a welcoming home. Her culinary skills knew no bounds, as she masterfully prepared both American and Korean dishes, filling their home with the aromas of delicious meals. Music and singing were a constant presence in their household, and her love for dance added an extra layer of joy to her family’s life. She eventually learned to paint and filled their home with beautiful art.

Life presented its share of heartaches, with difficult losses of her mother, her sister Mi Ja, and ultimately her husband O’Neal. After O’Neal’s passing, she rekindled her faith in God, becoming an active member of a local Korean church and dedicating herself to daily study of God’s word. Her love for God was apparent to anyone who knew her in her later years, as she prayed earnestly for her family, friends, and community, placing her unwavering trust in Him.

Over two decades, Chong faced the challenges of a living with a disability, showing remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the obstacles, she remained eternally grateful for her family, and her unwavering faith gave her strength.

One of her greatest joys in life was witnessing her grandson, Benjamin, grow into a bright and talented young man. Chong’s pride in Benjamin was boundless, and she showered him with love and affection every chance she could.

Chong Hae Kyong Sexton will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will remember her for her stubborn determination, her generous expressions of love, and her unshakable faith in God. Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

Chong was preceded in death by her parents, her husband O’Neal Sexton, her sister Mi Ja, her sister-in-law Thelma Sexton and her stepson Terrance Sexton.

Chong is survived by daughter Sabrina Sexton and her husband Rockwell Hunter, her siblings Kyung Ja, Jong Gu, Myung Ja, Sung Gu, and Hae Sook, grandson Benjamin Hunter and nieces and nephews.

Chong was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas, with her late husband O’Neal. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on November 18, 2023, at H.M. Patterson & Sons-Oglethorpe Chapel.