Johnnie E. Sesco, 83, of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St, Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia after a brief illness. She was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, on November 27, 1942.
Affectionately known as Ms. Johnnie, she was a woman of deep faith, a generous heart, and a fierce love for her family and friends. She genuinely touched the lives of all she met, and has been described by many as an angel on earth. She loved the Lord, and her faith was the cornerstone of all she said and did throughout her life. Ms. Johnnie and her husband, Joseph “Joey” Sesco, her high school sweetheart, moved to Lake Oconee from Stone Mountain, Georgia, in 1997, where they built their dream home together.
An avid gardener with an incredible green thumb, Ms. Johnnie found joy in tending to her garden and creating a welcoming home. She was also an excellent cook who often prepared delicious meals for church functions and holidays, bringing people together through her love of food and fellowship. Following the sudden passing of her husband in 1999, she remained at the lake, determined to continue the legacy she built with him by opening her home and heart to family and friends.
Her home was a place of warmth, hospitality, and love, a reflection of the generous spirit that defined her life. Ms. Johnnie had a true servant’s heart and faithfully served in several ministries at her home church, Harvest Baptist Church in Eatonton, Georgia. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she cared for othersher family, her friends, her neighbors, and her church community. Her greatest blessing arrived in August, 2010, with the birth of her beloved only grandchild, Josephine Grace. Known lovingly as “Nana,” Ms.
Johnnie often described Josie as her heartbeat. She was a pivotal part of Josie’s life by caring for her as an infant to attending any and every performance she could. Even as her health began to decline in recent years, Ms. Johnnie made every effort to see her granddaughter shine. The love she had for Josie was immeasurable, and their special bond brought her immense joy. Ms. Johnnnie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Sesco, her parents, Johnnie Kearns of Bainbridge, Georgia, and Vernice P. Harrison of Camilla, Georgia, her stepfather, Richard B. Harrison of Camilla, and her sister and brother-in-law, Annette Carter and William “Buddy” Carter of Dublin, Georgia. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Sesco of Covington, Georgia, daughter Shannon Penick (Tim) and granddaughter (Josie) of Loganville, Georgia, sister Judy Flournoy (Ernest) of Camilla, Georgia, and nephew, Richard Harrison Flournoy (Michelle) of Arkansas, as well as a cherished circle of family and friends who will forever hold her memory close. A celebration of Ms. Johnnie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church, 642 Old Phoenix Road NE in Eatonton, Georgia 31024. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harvest Baptist Church Womens’ Ministry. Ms.
Johnnie’s life was a testament to faith, service, hospitality, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, the legacy of her faith and the love she poured into the lives of others will live on in the hearts of all those who knew her and loved her.