Bonnie Maxine Leewright

William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Bonnie “Maxine” (Stewart) Leewright, 92, of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Maxine was born May 10, 1933 just outside of Nevada, Texas; the second child and first daughter of James Albert and Mary Leona Stewart (nee Daniel), she was adored by her parents. She grew up in Nevada, in the depths of the Great Depression, but as the child of a farming family, hardship was not a unique experience, and she quickly learned to value relationships over material wealth. She attended Community High School where she played on the basketball team and graduated in 1951.

Later that year, she married for the first time and became a mother to Doris and in 1953, to Billy. Life does not always go as planned, and by the age of twenty, she had a rocking chair, a quilt, and two small children, but was no longer married.

Not one to dwell on her sorrows for long, she met John Taylor, and in September, 1955, they married and would remain so for forty-four years until John’s death in 1999. They built a large, boisterous, and beautiful family, adding eight more children to Maxine’s brood: Johnny, Jo Ann, Denise, Kathy, Tommy, Terry, Chuck, and David.

Maxine’s children were her treasures and she counted herself among the wealthiest of women to be blessed with so many. She was happy to be a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and even great-great grandmother during the course of her long life.

Maxine never met a stranger. She loved to laugh and visit with people. At 4 ‘ 11”, She was small in stature but had a giant heart. And as big as it was, it could not contain the joy and love it held. Love flowed out into her relationships with friends and family. She was happy to talk and build connections with her neighbors and take in her kids’ friends. There were ALWAYS extra kids; there were always neighbors; there were always people in her home, soaking up the love and fellowship she freely offered.

This love of friends led her to marry a third time in 2003, which involved a move to Sulphur Springs, Texas. This time was difficult for her as she learned to cope with the separation from her family. She did her best to set that worry aside and remained there until she was widowed again in 2014, at which point, she resolved to spend her remaining days among her children.

Having ten kids, the house could be chaotic at times and Maxine ruled with a series of increasingly stern looks and occasionally, a switch. She was not always a disciplinarian, however, and was quick to laugh and carry on with her children and their children. She loved music, dancing, and having a good time, whatever her circumstance. She had a spark of joy that enabled her to easily make friends among people of all ages and walks of life. Though she will be missed greatly by her friends and family, her light shines bright in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Maxine is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Leona; her brother, Orville Stewart; her sister, Joyce Harwood; and her husband, John Taylor.

Remaining to cherish Maxine’s memory are her sister, Reba White; her children: Doris Kemplin; Billy Moore and wife, Debbie; Johnny Taylor and wife, Barbara; Jo Ann White and husband, Warren; Denise Taylor and partner, Dusty Reed; Kathy Williams and husband, Ricky; Tommy Taylor; Terry Taylor and his partner, Karen; Chuck Taylor; and David Taylor. She leaves a legacy of twenty-four grandchildren, dozens of great grandchildren, and one little dog, Dolly.

The family will receive visitors at a public visitation Tuesday, July 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Grove Hill Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2 at 10:00 am at Grove Hill, with Interment to follow in the Nevada Cemetery at 1:30 pm.