Mary Maxine Brooks

Mary Maxine Brooks passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at her home in Mineral Wells surrounded by family. She was born to William Leslie and Bertha Aleen Williams Linville on July 19, 1930 in Winona, KS. Maxine married Roy Lee Brooks on November 19, 1955 in Manhattan, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard Linville, Harold Linville, and Walter Linville; sister Louise Sanford.She is survived by her husband, Roy Lee Brooks; sons, Scott Allen (Donna) Brooks and Todd Lee (Jeff Amos) Brooks; brothers, Larry (Dolores) Linville, Rev. Norman (Judi) Linville, and Don (Kay) Linville; sisters-in-law, Carol Ann Linville, Janice Linville, and Aleta Brooks; brother-in-law, Dale Sanford; many nieces, nephews and friends.After graduation from Colby high school in 1948, Maxine attended Kansas City Secretarial School in Kansas City, KS, graduated and worked as a legal secretary in Colby and then for the Kansas Department of Labor in Manhattan, KS. After her marriage she held various legal secretarial and stenographic positions in Texas, including work for the Federal Civil Defense Administration in Denton, TX. Throughout her career she was recognized for her precise record keeping, coordination and organization.After moving with her family to Mineral Wells in 1974, Maxine worked for 14 years as a teachers' aide at Lee Middle School. Her focus was on assisting students who needed extra help in math and English, patiently guiding them in learning how to focus attention on school and overcome obstacles to their personal success. After her retirement from the school district in 1989 she was an active supporter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association.Community, faith and family were Maxine's priorities in life. She was dedicated to her family, supporting her husband in his endeavors and encouraging her children to value excellence, education and service. She set an example of integrity and care for her students and family, and her determination inspired them to persevere. She had a gift of being aware of the needs of other people in various circumstances, and she related compassionately to youth who faced tremendous challenges; she never gave up on them.Her faith led her to be involved in church work throughout her life. She was active in the Methodist Church wherever the family lived, including El Paso, where she coordinated children's activities and other events. After her retirement, she volunteered as a secretary in the office at First United Methodist Church in Mineral Wells, and she was involved in various ministries such as the food pantry and Sunday School. She was known for her ability to help people form relationships and work to accomplish tasks in the church and the community.A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 1 at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at 2:30pm at the Woodland Park Cemetery. The family suggests that donations in honor of Maxine's life may be given to the Memorial fund at the First United Methodist Church, 301 N.E. First St., Mineral Wells, TX 76067.