Maxine Smith

Maxine Rainwater Smith, 80, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born April 1, 1925, in Wayne County, daughter of Herbert and Inez Ward Rainwater. In 1951 she married Charles Hughie Smith. In 1967 they moved from Groveland, Ill., to Jackson.

Maxine was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church. It was here that she served the Lord in many ways. From her circle friends to Bible study groups to quilting buddies, she organized and energized everyone's life.

Even after a long battle with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in 2000, she was able to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with a backyard wedding and continued a vibrant life that amazed and inspired all who knew her. Her tenacious and feisty spirit lives on.

She is survived by her husband, C. Hughie Smith of Monticello; children, C.W. Hughey (Shirley) of Texas, Sonja Davis (Ken) of Jackson, Robin Dyer, D.O., of Oklahoma; a daughter-in-law, Mary Smith of Valles Mines, Mo.; and a sister, Jo Pierce (Larry) of Cape Girardeau.

Eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren bid their "Momma Mac" goodbye: Raunda Graham Ward (Paul) of St. Louis, Chad Reimann (Elizabeth) of Virginia, Kevin Davis (Amy) of Georgia, Scott Davis, (Debbie) of St. Louis, Aaron Dyer of Oklahoma; 1st Lt. Cormac Smith of Korea, Tara Smith Baca (Mike) of Idaho, Brianna Smith and Ian Smith of Valles Mines, Rachel and Casper Hughey of Texas; great-grandchildren, Luke Graham, Eliott and Garett Reimann, Allison and Hayden Baca, Kayla and Cody Davis, Kail and Justin Webb.

She was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Smith, and a sister, Evelyn Million.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday at New McKendree United Methodist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, Maxine requested donations to the education fund at New McKendree.