Maxine Stark, 92, of Center, passed away Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Home Sweet Home Residential Care in Houston, Texas.

She was born on May 1, 1919 to Flaudia Rachel and Robert Lee Williford of the Antioch community near Center. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas of San Augustine, her sister, Syble Williford Rudd, and her brothers, Clifton and Dolf all of Center.

She is survived by two sons, Reggie and Stan of Houston; a daughter, Pamela of Dallas; five grandchildren, Stanley, Jr., Stephen, Scotti, Jeff and Christi; as well as five great grandchildren; Stephen II, Mason, Angeliea, Marissa and Kai all living in the Houston area.

She was a lifelong dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and served as an organist at the Lone Star Baptist church on Shelbyville Highway for several years. Prior to moving back to Center with her husband, Douglas Stark, who worked for the Light Champion Newspaper, Maxine lived in Houston and attended Thornton St. Baptist, Garden Oaks Baptist and Oak Forest Baptist churches where she played the organ and sang in the choirs.

Maxine and Douglas loved to work in the garden and for a time sold tomato plants and flowers from their home on the Shelbyville Highway.

Graveside services will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Rev. Carl Smith presiding.