Anamary Davis Maxey

Anamary Davis Maxey, a longtime Austin resident, died peacefully at home on February 3, 2006. She was born in Alvin, Texas on April 6, 1911, the sixth child of Eva Wilhelmina Caterina Gosch Davis (Minnie) and Watkin Edwin Davis (Watt). The lifestyle in Alvin in the early 1900’s was much simpler than it is today. The wood stove was always hot and they had an “ice box” where large chunks of ice were delivered to keep the food cold. Water had to be “bucketed” from the well to the house and baths were always taken in the kitchen after the water was heated on the stove. In 1917, Anamary attended the Alvin public school that had all grades in one 12-room building. In 1929, she entered UT. She lived in the Littlefield Dorm for her first three years at UT. During her second year, she was the Vice President of the House Council that governed the Dorm. Anamary then moved to the Woman’s Building where she was the Assistant Dorm “mama”. She received free room-and-board there and also worked in the Physics Department where she made $15 per month – big money at that time. During this same period, Anamary met her future husband, Ed Maxey, a member of the UT football and basketball teams. While at UT she joined the Chi Omega sorority and met several girls who became lifelong friends. She was a member of a freshman group called Spooks. As a sophomore, she was tapped into the Orange Jackets, an honorary service organization. In her senior year, she was elected to Mortar Board, Cap and Gown, and President of Chi Omega. Anamary obtained her Bachelor’s in 1933 and her Master’s in Physics in 1935. After graduation from UT, she returned to Alvin to teach Physics, Chemistry and History in a brand new high school. Anamary and Ed were married in Alvin on July 26, 1936 and settled in Austin following their honeymoon. As loyal UT fans, they attended football, basketball and baseball games on a regular basis. They were season ticket holders in all three sports for over 50 years. They created a church home at the First Baptist Church. The Maxey’s actively participated in worship, prayer and fellowship. Anamary served as Secretary for the Sunday Schools for many years. In 1953 Ed and Anamary started Maxey Glass Company, a labor of love for both of them for the next 35 years. In the 1970’s they began to take trips with friends and family that led them from Germany to Hawaii and to areas around the continental United States. As her work at the glass company slowed down, Anamary started a “budding” career as an artist. She painted at least 20 scenic landscapes. In 1986 Anamary and Ed celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Family and friends gathered for an afternoon of celebration at the Westwood Country Club, hosted by their children. On September 6, 1989, Anamary had a brain stem stroke. After Ed’s death on August 12, 1992, she nurtured her keen interest in learning through Lifetime Learning classes that included astronomy, Austin history and Great Books discussion. A favorite was “Sports Talk” with Dr. Bob Miller. She was blessed with devoted caregivers. Her quality of life was kept on a high note, due to the wonderful and loving care she received from Sherry Henderson, Amy Mudd and Joyce Long. The family thanks Dr. Steven Booton and her other physicians for their excellent care and attention, and Betty and John Stokes for their friendship over the years. Anamary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mariann and David Hadden of San Antonio, daughter and son-in-law, Eva Gayle and George Gibbs of Austin, daughter Becky Shelton of Austin, and son Ed Maxey of Georgetown; her grandchildren, Grant Shelton and wife Laura of Austin, Natalie Seymour and husband Darren of La Grange, Pamela Magee and husband David of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Katherine Lewis and husband Scott of Dallas, and Philip Gibbs of New York City; and great-grandchildren, Ashley and McKenzie Shelton, Jace and Jenna Seymour, Kyle, Lindsey and Amanda Magee, and Will and George Lewis. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Keenan and Rev. Don Searles officiating. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Grant Shelton, Philip Gibbs, George Gibbs, David Hadden, Archie Stewart McNeill, Darren Seymour and John Stokes. Honorary pallbearers are Milton Moffett, David Magee, Scott Lewis, Davis McNeill, Julia Ann Moffett, and Josephine Fletcher. The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to either The First Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook on line at wcfish.com