Maxine “Mackie” Ward Dearman, of Saraland, AL, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who was adored by all, joined her beloved husband J.P. Dearman, and her parents, William and Maude Ward, in eternal peace on January 26, 2025, at the age of 94.
Maxine’s wonderful sense of humor and open heart defined her. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her and J.P.’s two children, Joey and Gayle. Maxine was known for her ability to make everyone around her laugh, bringing joy and smiles to every room she entered. Whether it was through her captivating storytelling or her contagious laughter, she kept her loved ones in stitches and will be dearly missed for her bright, vivacious spirit.
Maxine was a founding member of Saraland United Methodist Church and her unwavering faith in God was a guiding principle throughout her life. She embraced life with humor, curiosity and an abundance of doting love, particularly for her granddaughters, great-granddaughters and rescued animals.
A talented artist, Maxine was a doll maker and ceramicist, creating beautiful works of art for her family and friends to treasure. She also enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including crafting, tending her lilies and dancing every chance she got; from the jitterbug in her youth, to square dancing with her J.P. and line-dancing with her granddaughters. Her home was always filled with the beauty of her creations and was never without much loved and pampered cats and dogs.
Her memory will be forever cherished by her sister, Pansy (Ben) Pendleton; son, Joey Dearman (Saundra, deceased); daughter, Gayle Dearman; granddaughters Beth (Matt) Nations and Emily Johnson (William Peebles); great-granddaughters Abbie, Caroline, Josie and Camille Nations; nephew, Chris (Susan) Pendleton; nieces, Lynn (Ken) Lucero, Annette (Keith) Howard and Karen (Dwayne) Bailey; a great-niece and great-nephews.
Maxine’s family and friends will long remember her kindness, love, generous spirit and keen sense of humor. Her legacy will live on through the generations she touched and the memories she leaves behind.
We welcome all to join us as we celebrate her life with Visitation at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 31st at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland, followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Saraland at 11:30 a.m.
In remembrance of Maxine, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to an organization of your choice or those she was passionate about, the Mobile SPCA and National SPCA in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
