Maxine M Wilson

Maxine McDowell Wilson passed from this life on July 4,2025. She was born in Blaine, MS on February 10, 1929, to James and Ina Outlaw McDowell. Her growing up years were spent in the Mississippi delta, however, she enjoyed the WWII years in Fort Worth, TX where she attended Riverside High School. Maxine received a B.A. degree from Belhaven University and furthered her education at the University of Memphis.

In 1949, she married the love of her life, James L Wilson, Jr. Most of their 56 years were spent in Memphis, TN where they reared two precious children, Beverly Camille and James Patrick. Those were wonderful years in the Whitehaven community and the family was very active in community work and Whitehaven Presbyterian Church.

Maxine was a loving and devoted mother, wife and grandmother. Her family always came first. Her grandchildren were special blessings and brought her much joy. She was a dedicated teacher and leader for thirty-nine years. She has been blessed by the many former students who have continued to befriend her. Friends were made easily and cherished.

Maxine and Jim relocated to Temple in 2003 to be nearer their family. For several years she enjoyed being a member of the Federated Study Club and her Sunday School Class at First Baptist. After the fire at First Baptist, she moved her membership to Taylor's Valley Baptist Church. Throughout her adult life Maxine was aware of the many ways she could be of service to others. Her motto was "not to be ministered to, but to minister". She was thoughtful and graceful in her ministry.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son "Jim". Maxine is survived by her daughter, Beverly W. Sawyer (Richard), three wonderful grandsons: Mark Sawyer (Amanda), Blake Sawyer and James Patrick Wilson and one granddaughter, Jordan Alise Wilson. In 2021 she was blessed with a great granddaughter, Sara Beth Sawyer.

In lieu of flowers, Maxine requests gifts be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101(stjude.org).

A private family service will be held at a later date in Memphis.