Shirley Ann Smith Maxey

Shirley Ann Maxey (née Smith) passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at her home in Sibley, Louisiana. She was born in Gregg County, Texas, on November 19, 1935, to Bryant Earl Smith and L A Smith (née Caldwell). She graduated from Sibley High School where she was a standout athlete. Shirley married William Jack Maxey on October 24, 1952, and they remained married until his death in 2019. Jack and Shirley raised three daughters, Lisa, Lori, and Lynn.

While her girls were still young, Shirley returned to school to obtain her bachelor’s degree in education from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, and later her master’s degree. She enjoyed a long career as a teacher at Stewart Elementary in Minden. Miss Maxey, as she was known, taught hundreds of children, and sometimes multiple generations.

Shirley was especially devoted to her faith and to her beloved church, Sibley United Methodist. She taught Sunday School there for over forty years and was involved in every aspect of that community, as was her mother before her. There was rarely an event where she did not participate, and many of her longest and dearest friendships were connected to that church. She was known among those closest to her as a wonderful cook, serious gardener, avid reader, and cat whisperer. But her greatest joy was in being Gran, a role in which she shamelessly spoiled all her grandchildren, often to the dismay of their parents who only thought they knew her before she became a grandmother.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa A. Maxey French and Lori J. Maxey Lilley; grandchildren, Caldwell A. Lilley, Collier S. Lilley, Channing M. Lilley, Larsen A. Vincent, and Keller C. French. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack; daughter, Lynn Maxey Vincent; and grandchildren, Cage H. Lilley and Ingalls C. Vincent.

The family extend their heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers, relatives, and friends who cared for Shirley in her final months in the hospital and then at home, especially Lenny Sullivan, Evelyn Walker, and Butch Smith. A graveside service will be held at Lane Memorial Cemetery in Sibley on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. Officiating will be Bro. Bryan McCoy. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Shreveport or to Sibley United Methodist Church, 403 S. Main St., Sibley, LA 71073.