Maxine grew up in west Texas, living in small towns where her father was the school superintendent. Many times she stated she would have to cover classes for a teacher that was out for her father, while she was a student herself. She graduated from Loop High School in 1942. Maxine met her husband, Thomas, when he was sent to pick-up a family friend, Maxine’s college roommate, when they were both teaching in Loop. Thomas and Maxine dated for a year before getting married on January 17, 1947. Maxine graduated from Howard Payne University, earning a degree in Home Economics Education in 1948.
Maxine moved to Grand Prairie in 1950, when Thomas took a job with Temco. At the time, they lived in Green Gables so Thomas could walk to work. She soon became a member of First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, and became involved in the children’s ministry and was the 6th Grade VBS Director for many years. Maxine was a Den Mother in Cub Scouts. Her favorite civic organization was the Grand Prairie Garden Club, of which she was a member from 1959, when it met in the basement of the Methodist Church, until it dissolved in 2014. Maxine served in every office of the club. She helped sponsor the Junior Garden Club, the Junior High Gardeners, and the High School Gardeners for many years. Maxine earned the prestigious Master Certificate from the National Council of Garden Clubs. This certificate represents eleven and one-half years of endeavor and study. Maxine had a true passion for plants, flowers, and floral arranging. Maxine enjoyed traveling with Thomas when he was still living. They traveled extensively, and would be on the road for months at a time. Just about anywhere American Airlines flew, they had traveled to and explored on their own. Maxine enjoyed July 4th weekends at the lake, cousin weeks at her house, attending school functions with her children and grandchildren, and celebrating birthdays and holidays. All who knew her, knew she believed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could do no wrong.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Thomas Smith, her daughter, Myra Jane Smith, her son, Perry Wayne Smith and her sister, Jewel Bernay Robertson. Maxine is survived by her children Sam (Debbie) Smith of DeSoto, Texas, Sheilah (Jimmy) Lackey of Kingsland, Texas, and her brother, Willis (Sandy) Cash of Mabank, Texas; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Ronald McDonald House or First Baptist Church Grand Prairie’s Building Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Smith family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3