Services for Deanna Sexton Jones, 72 of Ada are 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 at Trinity Baptist Church, Rev. Kathy Lofton and Rev. Judy Sexton will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday at Criswell Funeral Home.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deanna Sexton Jones, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her vibrant spirit, unwavering love, and deep passion for life. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the community she touched.
Deanna Ruth Sexton Jones passed away on November 4, 2023 at home surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren in Ada, OK. Deanna was born on November 15, 1950 in Enid, OK. She was the daughter of Ruth Sexton Reeves and Lester Sexton. She was the precious sister to Patricia Ward (John), Leroy Sexton (Judy), Creig Sexton (Cathy), and Jim Murray (Jan). She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Sexton Reeves and her father, Lester Sexton.
She was a wife to Glenn Jones for 42 years and mother to Tom Hirosky Jr, Lesli Lord, Deanna Gallavan (Rob), Jennifer Jesse (Ca-te), and Jonathon Jones (Chelsie).
Deanna’s greatest joy was her grandchildren Matthew Lord, Andrew Lord, Sean Jesse, Kelly Smith (Ian), Drennan Jesse, Jacobe Jesse, Trevor Jones, Morgan Stucker (Austin), Rylee Jones, Hayden Jones, Abigail Jones, Dylan Hirosky, Morgan Hirosky, Madeleine Gallavan, and Caroline Gallavan. She loved and was loved by her best friend of 57 years, Ann Weaver. She also leaves behind her two fur-babies, Honey and Bryan. She loved being “Aunt D” to dozens of nieces and nephews.
Born with a green thumb, Deanna had an extraordinary love for gardening. Her hands were always digging in soil, pulling weeds, nurturing the earth, and coaxing beautiful blooms to life. Her backyard was a sanctuary, a place where she found solace and joy, and where she shared her knowledge and love for plants with all who visited-especially her grandchildren. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents that filled her garden were a testament to her dedication and expertise.
But her talents extended far beyond the garden. Deanna was a master of the kitchen. Her meals were not just nourishment, but brought family and friends together for backyard BBQs, birthday parties, and weekends at Lake Texoma. Whether it was a simple family gathering or a grand feast for the holidays, her cooking was always a highlight, and her recipes (and anecdotes written in her recipe books) will be treasured for generations to come.
Sailing, fishing, and travel were activities that brought immense joy to Deanna. Sailing, with the wind in her hair and the sound of the waves, was her escape, her freedom. She embraced the serenity it offered and her love for sailing was infectious. In a recently discovered travel journal entry, Deanna wrote, “No matter what you do, somebody always knew you would. Well, I did it! Deanna Sexton Jones went to Europe! Paris, Germany, France and Switzerland were the playground for this ‘ol country girl for two glorious weeks!” Her wanderlust took her to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean cruises, and many other domestic destinations.
Her playfulness and quirky sense of humor was on full display with her alligator collections, drawings, writing, piano playing, and her menagerie of pets. Architectural salvage was a unique passion that set Deanna apart. She had an eye for beauty in the forgotten, the discarded. She would rescue old doors, windows, and other architectural elements, breathing new life into them. She founded Deanna’s Architectural Salvage in 1998 in Ada, OK and customers traveled from all over to dig through her ‘Treasures’ and make them a part of their homes or businesses.
Above all, Deanna was a fierce advocate for her 5 children and 15 grandchildren. She showered them with unconditional love, support, and guidance. She was their rock, their entertainment, their confidante, and their biggest cheerleader. She always attended her grandchildren’s sporting events, award ceremonies, graduations, dance recitals, and plays cheering and wolf whistling the loudest. Earlier this year, her grandson shared with Deanna a passage written by Fredrik Backman, “Having a grandmother is like having an army. This is a grandchild’s ultimate privilege; knowing that someone is on your side, always, whatever the details. Even when you are wrong. Especially then, in fact. A grandmother is both a sword and a shield.” Her unwavering dedication to their well-being and happiness was a testament to the incredible woman and army she was.
Though Deanna Jones may no longer be physically with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of passion, creativity, and love will continue to inspire and guide us. Let us remember her with smiles, humor, and laughter, celebrating a life well-lived and a soul that touched so many.
Rest in peace, Deanna - Wife, Mom, Grandmother, and Friend. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will forever be in our hearts.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” -Proverbs 31.28
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
