Stephen R. Sexton

July 1st, 1937 - December 9th, 2021

Stephen 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Stephen here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

To the family of Steve Sexton:

I just learned of Steve’s passing today (1/11/22) when I was at the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Office. He and I were connected on two fronts-he was my high school guidance counselor who helped me, the middle child of thirteen children, to be accepted to a teacher training program at Miami University where I received a free education and the guarantee of a job with the Cincinnati Public Schools once I graduated, and before he retired from CPS and left Cincinnati, he asked me to be his replacement as Collective Bargaining Chair for the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers. It was daunting for me to follow him; however, he mentored me before he left. He always told our colleagues how proud he was of me and of my background as one of his students at Robert A. Taft HS. He was always someone who was “in my corner.” I was saddened to hear of his passing; the thought of Steve Sexton as my high school counselor and as a colleague bring back fond memories. I will never forget him.

Elizabeth Jones

January 11th, 2022 at 3:12pm

My love and deep condolences to Julie and all of the Sexton family for the loss of a great American man, from his time in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a great friend and mentor to Tom Mooney and I during a time of the great organizing and forward movement of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, determined to see the the poorest children of the city have a chance to get a fine education that all children deserved, as well as fair contract terms for their hardworking teachers. He was sharp as a tack in strategic decisions, fearless in the face of powers that stood against our movement for justice, and a wise uncle to all of us younger folk who had never seen or known the injustices of his own generation. All of this and working multiple jobs to support his own family. Steve was godfather to our son Ruairi Rhodes, and a very loving and loyal comrade, spiritual brother and da to his late father, who adored him. Much love to the children and grandchildren who were blessed to be in his presence and enjoy his loving way. He is forever missed in Cincinnati.

Ginger Rhodes

December 13th, 2021 at 7:36am

Dear Kathleen, Ann, Julie and Michael,

My sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dad. We had the opportunity to finally meet at his mom’s wake in 1988. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers on Monday.

Maureen Ryan
Granddaughter of Anne Sexton Ryan