Emma Jean (Montgomery McCulloch) Sexton, 85, born October 27, 1940, in Baldwyn, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, October 19, 2026. She was a cherished and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and friend whose life was defined by her love for her family and her faith in God.

Emma Jean was the daughter of Troy Montgomery and Cleo (Files Montgomery) Wolfe, and stepdaughter of Marshall Wolfe. In 1983, Emma married Ivan Sexton, with whom she shared many years of marriage and family life. Throughout her working years, Emma was employed by Caron International in Rochelle, Illinois, and later by Crest Foods, in Ashton, Illinois, until retirement. She was a hardworking and dependable woman who took pride in providing for and caring for her family.

Emma’s faith was an important part of her life. A member of the Harvest Baptist Church in Rochelle, Illinois, she was baptized May 1980 and in June 2026, rededicated herself to the church. A meaningful expression of the faith that had remained part of her life.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Troy Montgomery and Cleo Wolfe; her stepfather, Marshall Wolfe; her sister, Charlene Joskoskie, her brother-in-law, George Joskoskie; and her brother, Jimmy Montgomery.

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Tommy (Kay) Montgomery of Paragould, AR; her son, Michael (Laurie) McCulloch of Rochelle, IL; daughters: Sandra (John) Gevers of Kansas City, MO, and Cheryl (Kevin) Barringer of Oregon, IL; her grandchildren: Eryn (Jason) Harper, Lauryn (Kevin) Ywanauskas, Micah (Devan) McCulloch, Chad (Carrie) Gevers, Charles “Mitch” Barnett, Jeremy (Cassidy) Gevers, Austin Gevers, Cayla (Ken) Skoli, Kara (Eric) Van Hise, Cole (Alyssa) Barringer and 20 great grandchildren. Also, survived by her stepchildren: Danny Sexton, Karan (Roger) Jones, Paulette Sexton, Shawn Sexton, and many step-grand/step-great grandchildren who held a special place in her heart. Also, many nieces and nephews.

Emma leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue through the many generations of her family. She will be remembered not only for the years she shared with those she loved, but for the countless ways she made a difference in their lives. Her family will carry her memory in their hearts and be grateful for the life, love, faith, and memories she gave them.

The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 23 at the funeral home with Pastor Duane Boehm officiating. The burial will follow the service at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Emma’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.