Joyce Maxine Gatlin

Joyce Maxine Sayers Gatlin, 93, of Bertram, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 29, 2025. Born on February 2, 1932, in Burnet, Texas, she was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Chester Sayers, and her devoted husband, Daniel Gatlin.

She is survived by her brother, Ronald “Butch” Sayers, and his wife Janice, as well as her three children: Madeline Jordan Lewis (Ronnie) of Bertram, David Jordan (Sue) of Round Mountain, and Shirley Jordan Benavides (Felipe) of Littleton, Colorado. Maxine leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, including 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Maxine had a profound love for her family and a zest for life that was evident in her many passions. An avid traveler, she embraced diverse cultures during her time living in Venezuela, Israel, and Egypt, collecting meaningful treasures along the way. As a World War II bride, she married the handsome soldier Ted Jordan, with whom she shared three children. Though their marriage ended after 19 years, they maintained a respectful friendship that lasted a lifetime.

In the 1990s, Maxine opened her own business, Busy Bodies, in Kingsland, where she created a welcoming space for women to connect through fitness and friendship. Her love for gardening was clear in her beautiful outdoor spaces and thriving houseplants, and she always had a small dog by her side.

In her later years, Maxine found solace and joy in the Women of Faith movement, attending conferences that enriched her spiritual journey. As a member of the United Methodist Church in Bertram, she experienced the grace and peace of Christ, which she shared generously with others.

Maxine's final piece of advice was to encourage kindness, a quality she embodied throughout her life. Her family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Bertram Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and New Century Hospice for their compassionate care during her final months, and to the Respite Care of the First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls for their unwavering support.

A celebration of Maxine's life will take place at the United Methodist Church in Bertram, Texas, on May 17, at 11:00 AM. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.

If inclined,donations may be made to the Living Grace Canine Ranch at 160 Elaina Lane, Bertram, TX 78605, or online at: https://donorbox.org/in-memory-of-maxine