News Summary
Frances Ann Sexton Thurmond, a beloved music educator and community activist, passed away at 86. Known for her dedication to education and charity, her legacy will continue to inspire many. Ann had a profound impact on music education and contributed significantly to her community throughout her life.
Houston – Frances Ann Sexton Thurmond, a revered music educator and dedicated community activist, passed away at the age of 86 on August 8, 2025, in Houston. Her contributions to the field of music education and her lifelong commitment to community service are fondly remembered by family, friends, and colleagues.
Born on January 1, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ann was the daughter of George Edward Sexton, Sr. and his wife. She was predeceased by her brother, George Edward Sexton, Jr., and tragically lost her son, William Richards Thurmond, just a month prior to her passing. Ann is survived by her husband, Gerald Pittman Thurmond, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage, along with their two children, Gerald Pittman Thurmond, Jr., and Susan Ann Thurmond. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Melissa and Sean Thurmond.
Ann’s academic journey began at Murphy High School in Atlanta, from where she graduated in 1956. She pursued higher education at the University of Georgia, earning her bachelor’s degree in music education in 1960, followed by a master’s degree in 1963. During her time at university, Ann was distinguished as a bassoon scholarship recipient for the University Concert Band and Orchestra and excelled as the Majorette Captain with the Redcoat Marching Band. Furthermore, she held leadership roles in student governance and various honor societies.
Throughout her career, Ann taught music across various cities, including Lexington and Atlanta in Georgia, Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, Houston in Texas, and Washington, D.C. She also served as an assistant instructor at the University of Maryland’s Center for Management Development. Her time in Houston began when she and her husband moved there in 1988, where she quickly became an active participant in the community.
Her commitment to education and community service extended beyond her teaching. Ann held prestigious positions within organizations such as Kappa Delta social sorority, where she served as the past president of the Houston Alumnae Chapter and was recognized as the 1997 Outstanding Kappa Delta Alumna in Texas. She continued to engage with Kappa Delta by receiving the 2005 Order of the Emerald award for her services.
Ann contributed notably to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where she was an active member and participated in various committees. She also volunteered as a mediator for the Harris County Courts through the Dispute Resolution Center of the Harris County Bar Association. Her involvement with numerous organizations, such as Friends of Child Advocates, the Houston Symphony League, and the National Mortar Board, reflected her long-standing dedication to serving others.
A memorial service to honor Ann’s life is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM, to be held at the Christ Chapel of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. Rev. Martin J. Bastian and Rev. Gregory W. Cross will officiate the service. Following the service, there will be a reception for family and attendees in the Chapel Reception Hall. A private inurnment for the family will take place prior to the memorial service at St. Martin’s Garden of the Holy Cross. Memorial contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church or to a charity of choice.
Frances Ann Sexton Thurmond’s legacy as a music educator and community leader will continue to resonate within the hearts of those whose lives she touched. Her commitment to education, service, and family serves as an enduring testament to her character and spirit.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Ann Thurmond Obituary
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- Dignity Memorial: Ann Thurmond Tribute
- Google Search: Frances Ann Sexton Thurmond
- Dignity Memorial: Frances Ann Thurmond
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
