Laurice (Sexton) Brinkley

Laurice Sexton Brinkley passed away peacefully at Idabel, OK Sept. 23, 2020.

She was born September 12, 1932 in Linden, Cass County, Texas, the daughter of Arville Henry Sexton and Mattie Faye Lear.

She graduated from Henderson Texas High School in 1951. After which she worked in a local drugstore.

It was then she met a neighbor boy from Oklahoma by the name of Julius Robert “Bob” Brinkley. He had moved to Texas to work in construction.

She said Bob had a nice smile. He introduced himself and asked her why didn’t she call him? She replied, “If you want to talk to me you can call me.” One year later they were united in marriage in Midland, Texas.  They were blessed with four children during their marriage, Steve, Christy, Marty and Jeff.

The family moved many different places over the years but somehow always returned home to McCurtain County where Bob’s family resided.

Laurice was the quintessential 50’s/60's housewife- the perfect hostess, homemaker and mom.

Her home no matter where she lived was a showplace. She enjoyed decorating. Laurice loved pretty things.  She took pride in having a nice home for her family.

Laurice loved preparing meals for her family and especially during the holidays.  Her turkey and dressing was the best!

She could cook anything with dinner always ending with the perfect period dessert. Laurice was always testing new recipes. Over the years she traded and collected many.

Laurice always took care of her appearance and never left the house without her clothes and hair just right, Merle Norman foundation and her finishing touch- red lipstick. Her smile would light up a room and she was always humming a little tune.

She never met a person she couldn’t talk to and she loved to talk on the phone just to catch up with everyone.

Laurice always gave 100 percent of herself to others. Helping whenever she could, be it monetary, food, helping in any way or just simply praying for someone. She was a very kind and generous lady.

If you were honored enough to have Laurice as a friend or family member she definitely made you feel special.

She made sure you received a birthday and Christmas card each and every year. She never forgot a name or an address. One of her favorite possessions was her well-worn address book.

She never expected anything in return. She would be overjoyed by anyone doing the simplest of things for her.

Most important in her life was her Christian Faith which guided her daily. She loved her church family and her Sunday school class at Lukfata Baptist Church. She never missed a baby or wedding shower and she always had a special dish to bring to every church function. Each night before she went to sleep, she made sure she completed her daily Bible lesson and her prayers. 

She will be missed dearly by all of her loved ones, but she will live on in their cherished memories.

Laurice was preceded in death by her husband Bob Brinkley; son Steve Lynn Brinkley; daughter Crystal Jan “Christy” Parks; son-in-law Kent Parks; father Arville Henry Sexton and mother Mattie Faye Lear.

She leaves to cherish her memory son Marty Brinkley and wife Robynn of The Colony, Texas; son Jeff Brinkley of Dandridge, Tennessee; Grandsons Joey Parks; Skyler Parks; Gabriel Brinkley; and Eli Brinkley.

Granddaughters Meghan Parks and Elah Brinkley. Great-grandsons Lance Parks, Lincoln and Xander Parks. Her twin sister Janice Lamb of Midland Texas and sister Wilma Goza of Middletown, Maryland. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A luncheon will be provided by the ladies at Lukfata Baptist Church noon Monday Sept. 28. Immediately following the luncheon at 1 pm there will be a family visitation.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin immediately following at 2 pm in the sanctuary at the Lukfata Baptist Church with Gary Hawkins officiating, with special speaker Jimmie Beam.

Interment will follow at Redland Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers are Jesse Clouse and Olen Hill. Pallbearers are Larry Brinkley, Perry Dickey, Mark Smith, Leroy Beam, Aaron Davenport, Larry Bone and Matt Dickey.

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