Mary Maxine Thurston     1928 ~ 2024

Mary Maxine Thurston, age 95, passed peacefully on February 8, 2024 at Delta South Rehab & Nursing in Sikeston, MO.

Maxine, as she was known by everyone, was born to A.V. and Maud Mills on October 4, 1928 in Hardin County, Savannah, TN. She was the youngest of seven children.

On February 6, 1949 in Sikeston, MO she married Claud Thurston, who preceded her in death on May 26, 2007. Of that marriage, one daughter was born, Carol "Maxine".

She was a homemaker and a longtime member of Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston.

In addition to her husband of 58 years, Maxine was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Mills, Wm. A. "Dutch" Mills, Gilbert Mills; and her sisters, Louise Monroe, Ruby Chapman, and Mildred "Molly" Phegley.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Carol Martin and husband, Bill of Sikeston, MO; one grandson Christopher Kiefer and wife, Ashley, and four great-grandchildren, Thurston, Parker, Emmaline, and Alden Kiefer all of Natick, MA; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston. Visitation will be Monday, February 19, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ted Froderman officiating.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Kiefer, Thurston Kiefer, Parker Kiefer, Bill Martin, Derek Mills, and Lynn Mills.