Maxine Stone Smith

Maxine Stone Smith passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Lyndale Senior Living Center in Abilene. She was 87.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Groesbeck Church of Christ, with Brother Richard Williams presiding, family members presenting loving tributes, and singing led by Bro. Eric Wharton of Waco.  Burial will be at Criswell Cemetery.   Pallbearers were Kevin Stone, Greg Ray, Stan Ray, Jimmie Stone, Mike Wilson, David Stone, Rusty Stone, Blake Stone, Jentry Powell, and Jared Stone.

Maxine was born in Limestone County on November 26, 1931 to Charles C. and Shirley Mae Stone. She was one of nine children. She attended school in Big Hill, Texas and graduated in 1948 from Groesbeck High School. It was there that she met and fell in love with Travis Smith. Maxine and Travis were married on September 10, 1949. They loved each other in marriage for almost 70 years. They had four children, Lesa, Sandy, Gary, and Tim, all of whom she adored.

Maxine’s life was committed to her family and to the church. She placed God before any other priority of her life. She lived according to simple Biblical truths and American ideals: treat others the way you want to be treated; whatever you do, do it well; in everything, act with integrity; if you are given much, much is expected of you; work hard; don’t complain; take responsibility for your own actions; be generous; treat others better than yourself; love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, loyalty, and grace.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Marshall Stone, Charles Stone, Jr., Jack Stone, W. N. Stone, and Louise Ray; also nieces and nephews.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Travis Smith of Abilene; her children, Lesa Reese and husband Jack of San Antonio, Gary Smith and wife Pam of Waco, Sandy Mertens of Waco, and Tim Smith and wife Debbie of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Tiffany Chambers and husband Adam, Kassie Sweet and husband Ryan, Russell Mertens and wife Kelleigh, Jana Powell and husband Jentry, Mindy Smith, Marci Frias and husband Jon, Tori Smith, and Ethan Smith; eight great grandchildren, Brinlee, Evan, Jackson, Merick, Autumn, Jaci, Carley, and Ayla; her sister, Martha Ann Lenoir; her brothers, Billie Kyle Stone and wife Alta, and G.Z. (Peaches) Stone and wife Patricia; her sister-in-law, Martha Stone; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, and many other extended family and friends.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.