Published: August 19, 2008 11:32 am            

Maxine Ann Smith Kessler

Maxine Ann Kessler, fondly called “Mama K,” passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in her home.

Maxine was born in Braman on April 10, 1916, to Will and Grace Smith. She attended Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater (now Oklahoma State University) and majored in home economics. She loved every facet of college life. She was a leader in many campus activities and very appreciative of the opportunities provided her through education, travel and professional and collegial relationships while in college. Her first job was with the National Youth Administration and she and her future husband, John Kessler, met while working on a project in Shawnee for the NYA.

Maxine married John Kessler in 1939. She refers to that as the best decision she ever made! They were stationed at Berea College in Berea, Ky., where John was a lieutenant commander in the Navy and assisted with the V-12 officer training program. They returned to Edmond after the war.

Maxine’s genteel presence, gracious ability to entertain and to make people feel cherished and loved created lifelong friendships for them both. Maxine did many things behind the scenes to make life more gentle and kind for others: A well-crafted letter of encouragement, a phone call to check in on someone, the preparation of an elegant birthday dinner, a visit to a shut-in, a well-timed word of encouragement or faith. She was a loyal and faithful friend and when she gave her word, she could be depended upon. She saw herself as an encourager.

Maxine loved and was deeply proud of Edmond. It was her home. She was a behind-the-scenes heroine in Edmond, supporting her husband’s business, her church, philanthropic work and carrying out a variety of projects on her own. She taught a college-age Sunday school class at Edmond’s First Baptist Church for over 25 years, and, along with John, led the Kessler-Fisher Sunday school department which continues today. She and John cherished their beloved Sunday school class. Maxine maintained her involvement in church and community activities into her 90s and loved her PEO sisters, several book clubs, walking almost daily at the UCO Wellness Center with her helper and making and receiving phone calls to nurture and support her friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Navy V12-V5 Memorial Student Scholarship Endowment Fund, Berea College, CPO 2203 Berea, KY, 40404; The John and Maxine Ann Kessler Endowed Memorial Scholarship, University of Central Oklahoma Foundation, 100 North University, Box 133, 73034; or VistaCare Hospice Foundation of Kerrville, 1001 Water Street, Suite B100, Kerrville, TX 78028.

A memorial service will be held in First Presbyterian Church, 1001 Rankin Street, Edmond, Thursday 11 a.m. Matthews Funeral Home of Edmond is handling the arrangements.

        

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