Vivian Maxine Evans

Vivian Maxine Evans was born to Lewis Austin Martin and Pearl Margaret (Neely) Martin in Quaker, Mo. She was the eighth of nine children. She grew up on the banks of Cub Creek in a hard-working farm family.

In June, 1952, she married the love of her life, Edward L. Evans, in Potosi, Mo.  They moved to Blytheville, where Ed worked and they made their life and home, living in the same house for over 60 years. Ed died in 2003, and Maxine lived there until declining health forced a move to Brookstone Assisted Living Facility in Fayetteville for five years until her death. While at Brookstone, she was lovingly cared for by her granddaughter-in-law, Melissa, and the staff.

Maxine was the quintessential homemaker. She excelled in cooking, sewing and gardening. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Blytheville, serving on many committees and active in her circle. In later years, she became renowned for her quilts. She loved the details of selecting fabric, making the perfect cut, sewing them together, and stitching the very small quilting stitches which she saw as a sign of a true quilter. Maxine was a founding member of the Plain and Fancy Quilt Club. Her yard was a showcase of beautiful perennial and annual flowers. She loved bird watching, floral arranging, traveling, and, most of all, her family.

Maxine and Ed raised three children: Linda Todd (Ray) of Greers Ferry, Martin Evans of Blytheville and Robin Newell (Larry) of Tupelo, Miss. She is survived by her children, two grandchildren, Bobby James Northington (Melissa) of Fayetteville and Margaret Scott Davis of Memphis, Tenn.; five great-grandchildren, Price, Peyton, and Parker Northington of Fayetteville, Abi Sue Green and Emerald Lucille Green of Manila.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her loving husband, Edward L. Evans, and her granddaughter, Christina Rae Green. Maxine was loved by her family, her church, and the community.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Blytheville with Rev. Zach Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.