Patricia Ann Sexton, 88 years, a resident of Whitehall Manor, formerly residing in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, died on January 6, 2013 at Whitehall Manor.
She was the wife of the late Burton Henry Sexton.
Mrs. Sexton was born in Cleveland, Ohio, being the first child of Richmond Van and Sarah Jane (Stewart) Spencer. She graduated from the former Allentown High School, class of 1942. She and Mr. Sexton were married in Washington, DC, on October 28, 1943, soon after her fiancé was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army following graduation from Officer's Candidate School at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Mrs. Sexton was an avid genealogical researcher into the histories and migrations of the Spencer, Stewart, Bowden and related families in the United States and worldwide. She was a co-founder of Friends of Children and also Friends of Children of Vietnam. She was intensely involved with these and other similar organizations as part of the efforts to resettle refugees from Southeast Asia, following the Vietnam War, and to promote the adoption by American families of orphaned/displaced children from Vietnam and other Asian nations. Mrs. Sexton was a Den Mother for Den 1 of Cub Scout Pack 90 (sponsored by the former Midway Manor Moravian Church) during the 1950's. She and her husband were youth fellowship parents at the church during 1950's and 1960's.
Survivors: Son, Spencer L., husband of Jane Susann (Weil) of South Whitehall Township; Daughter, Sallie A. McKenney of Northampton; Grandson, Burton R. of Leawood, Kansas; Nephew/Godson, Michael J. Wetmore of Stroudsburg; Cousin, Kay B. (Ritter) Balliet of Allentown, and other persons to whom she is related either blood or marriage. Predeceased by sister, Barbara J. Spencer, Mrs. Sexton was the niece of the late C. Century "Bud" Ritter, a well-known musician in Eastern Pennsylvania during the Big Band Era and a long-time teacher, music instructor and orchestra leader in the Allentown School District.
Memorial Service: At the convenience of the family. No Calling hours. Arrangements by Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., Fogelsville.
In Lieu of Flowers Contributions to Charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.KellerFuneralHomes.com