Naomi Marie Sessums

Naomi was a devoted and faithful Christian servant, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and sister-in-law. She is survived by her husband of 52+ years, Tommy Sessums, of Wylie, Texas; daughter, Jami Cooley and husband, Jeremy of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter, Keri Powell and husband, John of Wylie, Texas; granddaughters, Jessica Clark of Abilene, Texas; Cayla Clark of Denton, Texas; grandsons, Kristian Powell and Maddex Powell of Wylie, Texas; Ian Powell of Longview, Texas; sisters, Jo Ann Bynum of Velma, Oklahoma; Sally Voirin of Paris, Texas; Janette McMinn and husband, Rick of Longview, Texas; brothers, Robert Gilbert and wife, Nelda of Paris, Texas; David Gilbert of Paris, Texas; also many nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in law, and a host of friends.

Naomi graduated from Central High School in Sumner, Lamar County, Texas in 1970. She attended Paris Junior College. She was a long-time employee of Chem Lawn Corporation in Richardson, Texas, holding the position of office manager. Most of her adult work life was spent with her husband, Tommy. Together, they founded, and have owned and operated, a business in Wylie for several decades, where she was actively involved up until the time of her illness.

Naomi was a member of Providence Church of Texas in Rowlett, where she had served as a children’s Sunday school teacher and in other ministries there.

Some of the additional ministry work that she served in throughout her life were Precept Bible Study teacher, leadership in adult Women’s and Men’s Prison Ministry, Teen Prison Ministry, missionary work in Ecuador, South America, evangelism teams, Vacation Bible School, church nursery worker, youth ministry, food banks, community outreach, and much more. She also gave generously of her time, talents, and resources to countless ministries and to individuals who were in need of help. She was passionate about everything she was involved in.

Naomi’s main goal was to live her life for the glory of God, and not to bring attention to herself. She was humble and selfless, putting the needs of others above herself. She was outgoing, energetic, vibrant, cheerful, witty, humorous, a ray of sunshine. She loved life and had a heart of compassion for all people.

She was blunt and honest - a tell-it-like-it-is person - what you see and hear is what you get with Naomi. She was genuine to the depths of her personality. Naomi was an avid gardener, growing beautiful flowers and plants, and a vegetable garden each year. She was an outstanding cook, interior decorator keeping her home in immaculate order, and a whiz on her computer system. Her favorite activities were spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending their school and sports activities, and going on family vacations. Naomi was never afraid or timid about sharing her faith. She could approach a stranger and within minutes begin a conversation about the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the last weeks of her life, in the midst of severe pain, she would consistently pray for the salvation and well-being of other people.

She fought a courageous battle throughout her illness, and after being diagnosed as terminal, some of her favorite quotes from Scripture were, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 5:8, and “O death, where is your victory, O death, where is your sting? Death is swallowed up in victory,” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55. In her prayers, she would begin with, “God, I am glad you are on the throne, and we’re not.” Naomi was certain of her destination after she passed from this life. She completely trusted and placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and is now with Him; she is now free from pain… Naomi will be greatly missed by all of us.

However, by her life example, and by what she has accomplished, she has passed a wonderful legacy on to her children and grandchildren, as well as countless others whom she has impacted. Now she is in her heavenly home with the Lord and with all the saints who have gone on before her. We who were fortunate enough to know her can say and believe, “Thanks be to God for Naomi’s life,” and can picture Christ welcoming her into the gates of Heaven with these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”