Her father’s work with Mobil Oil brought the family to LaSalle, Texas, where Maxine grew up. A gifted student, she graduated as valedictorian of Industrial High School in 1946.

December 20, 1929 - September 29, 2025

On September 10, 1960, she married the love of her life, Darward G. Gates. Maxine worked for many years as a secretary for Grace Presbyterian Church in Victoria and also at F.W.

Woolworth, where she especially enjoyed finding little treasures to decorate her home.

Known affectionately as Mom, Grandma, Geegee, Mrs. Geegee, and Max, she filled her life with family, creativity, and joy. An avid quilter, Maxine always had a quilt in progress— whether piecing together a new top or hand-stitching one in the frame. She lovingly gifted quilts to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. In addition, she was a talented knitter, crocheter, and crafter, creating beautiful blankets, table scarves, sweaters, and more.

With her green thumb, Maxine’s yard was always filled with vibrant flowers and hanging baskets.

She had a playful side, too—enjoying trips to Louisiana casinos, often returning with jewelry, dishes, or small gifts for loved ones.

Even in later years, her step would quicken at the thought of a gambling trip. She loved playing dominoes, especially with her grandchildren, and the family often teased about Jake McHenry being her “favorite,” though it was clear she cherished each grandchild and greatgrandchild deeply.

Maxine was blessed with two devoted caregivers, Virginia Garcia and later Melissa Escamilla, who became part of the family and shared many adventures with her—including lunches at Olive Garden and Double J’s.

A faithful member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Victoria, Maxine attended regularly until moving to Edna in 2008.

She is survived by her son, Bobby Gerjes (Robin); daughter, Brenda Jacobs (Timmy); granddaughters, Shelly Davis, Stephanie Morgan (Chris), and Bobbi Jo Biehunko (John); grandsons, Shannon Srp (Julie), Jake Srp (Shelley), and Josh Srp (Laurel); step-grandsons, Cory Jacob (Mandy) and John Ross Jacobs; and step-granddaughters, Tandi Stewart and Jessica Barnes (Corey). She was blessed with 25 grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Darward Gates; parents, Elmer and Jessie Parker; brothers, Stanley, Thomas, Clifford, Howard, and Harold Parker; sisters, Helen Parker Evans, Dorothy Parker Porter, Ruth Parker Teal, and Geraldine Parker Broome; son, Randy Gerjes; and grandson, Brandon Gerjes.

The family would like to thank Kim and BJ Hicks for assisting in moving Maxine into Edna Grow in Grace so quickly. Even though her time there was short, she was well loved and cared for. We would also like to thank the doctors and staff at Citizens Hospital, as well as Hospice of South Texas The Dornburg Center of Compassion, for the excellent care she received.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of South Texas, Dornberg Center of Compassion, 1005 Millette Drive, Victoria, Texas 77904; Grow in Grace, P.O. Box 281, Ganado, Texas 77962; or to the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers were Scott Teal, Curtis Teal, Marshall Teal, Billy Broome, Dylan Hase, Blayke Kubenka, Kyla Srp, and Parker Srp.

Services were held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Vanderbilt Baptist Church. Visitation began at 10: a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Graveside services took place at 2 p.m. at Memory Gardens of Victoria.

Maxine will be remembered for her faith, her creativity, her humor, and the deep love she had for her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx. com