Joyce A. Sexton
Joyce A. Sexton, 85, a former Texas resident, passed Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her home in Rehoboth Beach, with her wife, Terrie Kifer, by her side.
Joyce was born in Denton, Texas, February 23, 1938. She is predeceased by her parents, Wilton Benson and Velma Gertrude Rainey; her husband, Harrell Lloyd Sexton; and younger brother, Wilton Charles Rainey.
She is survived by her wife, Terrie Kifer; daughter, Kim Denise Mace (William Patrick Mace); and younger brother, Donald Wayne Rainey (Paula K. Rainey). Joyce had two grandchildren, Tristan Parker Mace (Jordan) and William Kyle Mace (Heidi); and was blessed with three great-grandchildren. In addition, Joyce had many nieces and nephews.
Joyce’s career was launched as a secretary in Ft. Worth, Texas. She later qualified and worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Her career flourished through her hard work and determination. She held various positions in the United States and abroad. She ultimately retired as air traffic manager of Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center. Her stories of visiting Camp David and attending White House meetings were always interesting.
After retirement, she continued to excel in the aviation field as a consultant and liaison to the FAA. Joyce was very active and supported the Professional Women Controllers organization.
Joyce was full of life and loved to travel. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and cruising. There were many fun days boating and enjoying the beach. She was blessed with many friends and a loving family. At her request, no service was held. ▼
Charles Edward (Eddie) Major lll
Charles Edward (Eddie) Major III passed away on December 30, 2023, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Eddie was born April 7, 1964, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Charles and Janet Major; he was the oldest of three siblings.
In 1981 Eddie graduated from high school as a junior, then went to the University of Maryland where he got his master’s degree. He then graduated from Graham Webb Academy in Arlington, Virginia.
Eddie moved to Rehoboth Beach in the late 80s and got his first job at the Blue Moon working as bartender. He worked in different places until he opened his own hair salon on Rehoboth Avenue, Major Hair Designs, which he was very proud of. In 2013 he went into retail and went to work for Polo, Ralph Lauren.
Eddie loved his family, friends, and fur babies. He loved music, paintings, and crafts. One of his greatest gifts was his wonderful sense of humor. He always had a story to share of all those years living and working in Rehoboth, a town he loved and was proud of for being a sanctuary for the gay community.
Eddie is survived by his husband, Luis Martinez; his mother, Janet Major; his brother, Michael, and sister-in-law, Shawn; his little sister, Pamela Major; several nephews, a great grand-niece, and great grand-nephew; and Paco, his cat.
“Love your God with all your heart and treat people the way you want to be treated,” was how Eddie lived his life. Until I see you again to spend eternity together, rest easy my beloved husband.
A private viewing was held on January 5, 2024, at Parsell Funeral Home.
Any donations to honor Eddie can be sent to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971 (camprehoboth.com). ▼
William “Bill” Kelly
William Daniel “Bill” Kelly, 95, of Milton, passed away peacefully the morning of Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, having battled complications for three years from two strokes suffered in January 2021.
He was born September 25, 1928, to Clarence Allen Kelly and Emily Lucille Edwards in Toccoa, Georgia.
Bill was a veteran of both the US Army, which he joined in 1946, where he was stationed in post-war Germany, and the US Air Force, which he joined in 1953, where he was stationed in post-war Japan. He was discharged in 1957 and loved to tell stories of his time served in both Germany and Japan.
After training to be an electrician in the Air Force, Bill secured a job as an electronics technician for RCA and later GE. Bill spent most of his career working in the field across the continental US and Alaska, often for months at a time. He loved talking about the time he worked at the top of the Sears Tower building in Chicago and at the Today Show studio in New York City. Bill loved his job.
In July of 1964, Bill met the love of his life, Ronald “Ron” Tipton, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
During their long life together, Bill and Ron lived in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and Philadelphia and Downingtown, Pennsylvania. They eventually moved to Delaware for their retirement years. To their friends and neighbors, the lives of Bill and Ron were a love story.
Bill is survived by his loving partner and husband of 59 years, and his devoted caregiver for the last three years of his life, Ron Tipton. Bill is also survived by his niece, Joyce Brown MacFarlin, of Cornelia, Georgia.
Funeral services were private. ▼