Margaret Ann Sexton

Margaret Ann Sexton was born June 30, 1938 in Newberry, South Carolina. She was the fourth of five children born to Henry P. Wilson and Elvira Douglas Wilson. At the age of eight, Margaret moved to Washington DC, where she resided for the remainder of her life. She attended Walker Jones Elementary School, Terrell Junior High School, and Cardozo Senior High School. Margaret was an Honor Society student and yearbook staff member in high school. She graduated from Cardozo in June of 1956. Always interested in increasing her knowledge, Margaret took additional classes after graduating from high school. Though she spent her formative and young adult years in Northwest and Northeast DC, she was a longtime and proud resident of Southeast (SE) DC.

From 1956 to 1959, was employed in private industry. In 1959, she began her government employment with the DC Postal Service and later transferred to the U.S. Postal Service. She was one of the first African-American female employees at the main post office at North Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Margaret’s federal government employment continued with the U.S. Department of Treasury followed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, from which she retired on January 1, 1999.

Margaret and John W. Sexton (deceased) were joined in holy matrimony on May 18, 1968, at the Mount Airy Baptist Church (MABC). Their marriage resulted in one child, Cynthia Elaine Sexton, before later ending in divorce.

Margaret became involved with the MABC when she first attended Sunday School while in junior high. She was baptized at MABC by Pastor CM Long. Over the years, she initially befriended other members of MABC, by sitting in the same area of the sanctuary for Sunday services. Being one of the first members of the Abraham Circle expanded her involvement in other church activities such as one of several troop leaders of the MABC Girl Scout troops; Service Unit volunteer with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC); member of MABC’s Home Mission, Hospitality, and Culinary Ministries; and Food Bank volunteer. In addition to service, Margaret also participated in educational activities to learn more about and grow her relationship with Christ. She participated in the Friday Night Bible studies, Sunday School, Women’s Retreats, and National Baptist Convention classes in the Washington DC area.

Over the years, Margaret lived a very active life. Aside from being a former member of a US Postal Service bowling league, she also would travel frequently, often with her friends, family and daughter. Unless there were competing appointments or health challenges, Margaret was always on the go. She enjoyed spending time at the Washington Senior Wellness Center in SE DC, where she participated in various outings and activities across the city, as well as their regular in-person and virtual/conference call educational sessions. Margaret also enjoyed spending time with her family and celebrating their achievements. She enjoyed regular outings with “The Girls” who she befriended through her involvement with the GSCNC. Margaret’s penchant for offering her opinion, asking questions no one else would, speaking her mind, finding city resources, not shying away from life challenges, and being a devoted long-time friend to many will forever be cherished. She will also be remembered for sending the best birthday, holiday, and other cards of expressions.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Barbara Jean and Ethel Louise, and brothers Douglas and Henry P. Wilson; nieces Linda Brooks and Ranita Lightfoot, and Aunt Doris Clark-Harris. Margaret leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Cynthia E Sexton; loving first nieces and nephews and their children, her subsequent nieces and nephews; childhood, career, church, bowling friends and comrades; Girl Scouting friends; and Washington Senior Wellness Center staff and friends.