Sally Ellen (Sexton) Bickerstaff, age 81, of Brookville, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville, PA. She was born in Meadville PA, on February 25, 1944, to the late Francis and Emily (Wybril) Sexton.

Sally graduated from East Mead High School in Meadville, PA, with the class of 1962.

Sally married her true love, H. Robert Bickerstaff on February 2, 1963, in Cochranton, PA. The couple's marriage, spanning over fifty-one years, was marked by a lasting bond of love and commitment to one other. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2014. 

Sally was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother along with assisting her husband in his role as "Chaplain Bob". She was also a secretary for the Brookville Area School District in Brookville, PA for many years until her retirement. 

During her earlier years, Sally was a member of her high school band’s drum section and also belonged to the Rainbow Girls. For many years, she was an established member of the Brookville First Methodist Church in Brookville, PA, served as a Sunday school teacher, and was a member of both the United Methodist Women and the Eastern Star organization.

Sally took pleasure in baking bread and special treats for the holidays. She thoroughly enjoyed knitting and creating afghans for her family and friends. Above all, Sally made her faith and family her top priorities. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her will miss her deeply.

Sally is survived by three children; Jana E. Bickerstaff of Brookville, PA, Gary (Jody) Bickerstaff of DuBois, PA, Rene' (Jud) James of Manchester, GA; and adopted daughter; Dana Helmheckel; seven grandchildren; Luke (Jamie) Bickerstaff, Mark, AJ, and Magi Bickerstaff, Hillary (Sid) Evans, Harrison and Charlie James; four great-grandchildren; Klaire, Haleigh, Abel and Rhett; two sisters-in-law; Carol Moore and Shirley Sexton; three nieces; Lori (Tony) McDaniel, Brenda (Ray) Elliott, Marci (Rene) Malliard and her cherished cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband Bob, Sally is preceded in death by one brother; F. Leroy Sexton, and other beloved relatives and friends.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 1 – 2 pm, at the Carrier Funeral Home, 2834 Maplevale, Rd., Brookville, PA 15825. A memorial service will be held following the visitation beginning at 2:00 pm, also at the Carrier Funeral Home, and officiated by Pastor Joe Short of the Brookville First Methodist Church. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Sally’s name to the charity of choice. Please visit our website at www.carrierfh.com to find more information or place online condolences.