Mary Maxine Morris

Graveside Services for Mary Maxine (Mershon) Morris, 91, of Dallas, TX were held Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Phillip Johnson officiated. Casket Bearers were Bill Mansfield, Chris Mansfield, Davis Ward, Jordan Ward, Harry Palmer, and Dave Bramlett. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Maxine was born August 29, 1923 in Excelsior Springs, MO to Leo and Evalyn (Woodward) Mershon. She passed away September 18, 2014 in Dallas, TX.

Maxine was Leo and Evalyn’s only child. She was born in Missouri, but when she was young, her father took a job as a postmaster in Sperry and they made the move. Maxine grew up here and was valedictorian of her Sperry High School graduating class. She always loved coming back to her class reunions – around six years ago, Maxine attended her last one. She and the two other surviving members of her class rode in the back of a convertible in the parade and she had a great time. Maxine’s best friend growing up was Del Verine Poulton. Her parents owned Poulton’s grocery store in Sperry. Del Verine was a good friend throughout Maxine’s life, passing about 9 years ago.

Maxine met Johnny Richard Morris through his sister, Marie, a friend of hers from Barnsdall. They married young – She was 18, he was 19 and was married for over 50 years when Johnny passed. They lived most all of their lives in Tulsa, but they did live briefly in California while Johnny was in the Navy during WWII. They had Sue after their first year of marriage and Debbie 7 years later. Maxine worked for many years as a manager for Russell Stover Candy. The perfect job for her, because she loved candy and cookies. Both Maxine and Johnny were very social. They enjoyed going to their place at the lake fishing and boating. They also loved playing bridge and poker with their friends and did so often. Bridge helped Maxine meet new friends as she moved after Johnny's death. They loved traveling, and took the girls on trips every summer. Maxine’s aunt lived in Anaheim, CA, so they were able to go to Disneyland a couple of times. It was the fifties, so they drove through the desert with no air conditioning. Once there, Maxine wore her high heels and a dress to the park, like all the other women of the time. They also enjoyed traveling to Gainesville, TX, and later to Drumright, OK to visit Johnny’s family. Many fun times were had there with his dad, Louise, Jean, Cathy, and Lonnie. Everyone loved Louise’s cooking. Later in life, they took several trips with their good friends, Dorothy and Clyde Maxwell. A lot of bridge was played on those trips. It could be that Maxine and Johnny are already playing bridge with them in heaven. The toughest times in Maxine's life were taking care of Johnny when he became ill and his death, and the very hardest time for her was losing Sue to cancer. One of the highlights of Maxine's life was Debbie's wedding. She was so happy to see Debbie marry Bill. She loved him and was so happy to have him for her son in law. But, the greatest moment was the birth of her grandson, Chris. She loved him so much. From the day he was born she loved going to Dallas to see him, and especially loved it when he flew on Southwest Airlines by himself to come see Grammy and pa pa. They did lots of things together including, playing Pollyanna and going to the fun house. She was there when he graduated from high school and college and was so proud of "her boy". The last event she attended was his wedding this year in April. She was so excited when Mavi arrived and was so glad to see Chris happy and to have Mavi in the family.  We are so blessed that she was able to be there. She loved Bill and Mary Ward, and the last trip she took she stayed with Mary in Tulsa. She was always so happy that Davis would make a point to come visit whenever he was in Dallas. She loved Debbie Gollihugh and enjoyed all the time they spent together over the years, especially their trips to the casino. She loved Wendy and Harry and spending the holidays with them and their family, and really loved all the Yahtzee games. She loved going to Dave and Gingers, playing with the doggies, and enjoying wonderful food and sometimes fireworks. Debbie would like to thank everyone who helped during the last year during the worse of Maxine's illness, but especially Bill. It was difficult but he did so much to take good care of her. He was very much appreciated. Mom will definitely be missed but there is comfort in knowing she loved her family so much, and that she lived her life of 91 years to the fullest.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Mansfield and husband Bill of Garland, TX; grandson, Chris Mansfield and wife Mavi of Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Richard Morris; and daughter, Marilyn Sue Morris.