Maxine Bearden's Obituary
Maxine McPherson Bearden, long time resident of Plano, Texas and member of the McDermott Road church of Christ passed from this earthly realm into the waiting arms of her Heavenly Father on October 13, 2023, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 12 days. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She fought a long and good fight, but demon cancer finally prevailed. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her vibrant personality.
Maxine was born on September 1, 1935, in Longview, Texas. She was the only child of William Clay (Bill or Mac) McPherson and Nellarene (Nell) Walls McPherson. She was reared in and around Hallsville, Texas, receiving her primary and secondary education in the Hallsville ISD system. She was a standout star on the early 1950’s basketball team.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior as a teenager and was baptized by the Reverend Jack White of the Hallsville church of Christ.
Shortly after graduating from high school, she moved to Dallas where she met, through mutual friends, her future husband, J.C. (Jay) Bearden. Upon the birth of her first child, she resigned her position in the insurance business, opting to be a hands-on/stay-at- home mother to raise her two children. She stated that her greatest achievement in life were her two wonderful children.
In 1975, she and Jay formed their own retail auto parts business (Jay’s Discount Auto Supply) in Plano, Texas where she held the position of Secretary/Treasurer until the business was closed in 2001.
Maxine loved animals, lamenting frequently about the horse and dog (Pooch) for playmates as a young girl. In fact, her immediate family often teased her that she cared more about the family pets than them. Any animal that she came in contact with, would surely be the recipient of her love, affection and generosity. She spent many happy hours in her final days watching the birds and squirrels eating and playing in her flower/feeding garden. She also loved watching sports on tv, which specifically included the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks and the Texas Rangers. Maxine loved to knit, and many were the recipients of her work with knitting needles. She also loved playing endless hours of board and video games with her grandchildren and Prime-Timers at church. And for those close to her that knew she loved Honey Buns; well, we are certain she has an endless supply of Honey Buns in Heaven.
Maxine was preceded in death by both her parents, William C. and Nell McPherson. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, James C. (Jay) Bearden, Sr. of Plano, Texas; two children, Jim Bearden, Jr. and wife Jeanne of Plano, Texas and Tanya Bearden-Turner and husband Bob of Plano, Texas. Two grandchildren James (Trey) Bearden III and wife Aimee of New Braunfels, Texas and Travis Kendrick and wife Emily of Godley, Texas and four great-grandchildren, Nora Marie and Luke James Bearden of New Braunfels, Texas and Kendrick Twin Boys (Due March 2024) of Godley, Texas. And of course, two Great-Grand-Dogs Osa Mae and Novia Rose of Plano, Texas.
Extended family includes: Elizabeth (Turner) and husband Aaron, and Emma and Everett Campbell of Edmond, Oklahoma; Ryan Turner of Corpus Christi; Tammy (Kendrick) Sanders, Tina (Kendrick) Grimes and Teresa (Kendrick) Colvin all of Nacogdoches, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
St Jude’s Hospital
McDermott Road church of Christ
Memorial Service:
McDermott Road church of Christ
3600 McDermott Road
Plano, Texas 75023
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Visitation: 10:30AM—12:00PM
Service: 12:00PM
Live Stream of service available at: ccmcdermott.org/funeral
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